U.S. patent number 10,568,429 [Application Number 15/710,768] was granted by the patent office on 2020-02-25 for rocker style chairs, modular components for use within rocker style chairs and parts for use within the modular components.
The grantee listed for this patent is Frederick Jacobs, Matthew Jacobs, Michiel Van de Ven. Invention is credited to Frederick Jacobs, Matthew Jacobs, Michiel Van de Ven.
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United States Patent |
10,568,429 |
Jacobs , et al. |
February 25, 2020 |
Rocker style chairs, modular components for use within rocker style
chairs and parts for use within the modular components
Abstract
Rocker style chairs and rocker style chairs are provided along
with modular components for use within rocker style chairs and
parts for assembling within the modular components. The related
components and chair assemblies minimize manufacturing time,
maximize material usage and decrease related installation time. The
related rocker style chairs may provide comfort to chair occupants
and minimize noise during related chair component motion.
Inventors: |
Jacobs; Matthew (Holland,
MI), Jacobs; Frederick (Holland, MI), Van de Ven;
Michiel (West Olive, MI) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Jacobs; Matthew
Jacobs; Frederick
Van de Ven; Michiel |
Holland
Holland
West Olive |
MI
MI
MI |
US
US
US |
|
|
Family
ID: |
62624878 |
Appl.
No.: |
15/710,768 |
Filed: |
September 20, 2017 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20180177300 A1 |
Jun 28, 2018 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
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15390676 |
Dec 26, 2016 |
10070724 |
|
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15675865 |
Aug 14, 2017 |
9943174 |
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15640938 |
Jul 3, 2017 |
9808085 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C
7/002 (20130101); F16B 12/00 (20130101); A47C
7/72 (20130101); A47C 7/70 (20130101); A47C
7/723 (20180801); A47C 3/025 (20130101); A47C
4/06 (20130101); A47C 1/121 (20130101); A47C
1/126 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
E04H
3/10 (20060101); A47C 3/025 (20060101); A47C
1/121 (20060101); A47C 7/00 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;52/7,8,9,701,712
;297/216.19,216.2,258.1,261.2 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Nguyen; Chi Q
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Shultz; James E.
Parent Case Text
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/390,676, filed Dec. 26, 2016, entitled
ROCKER STYLE CHAIRS, MODULAR COMPONENTS FOR USE WITHIN ROCKER STYLE
CHAIRS AND PARTS FOR USE WITHIN THE MODULAR COMPONENTS, now U.S.
Pat. No. 10,070,724; 15/675,865, filed Aug. 14, 2017, entitled
POWERED CHAIRS FOR PUBLIC VENUES, ASSEMBLIES FOR USE IN POWERED
CHAIRS, AND COMPONENTS FOR USE IN ASSEMBLIES FOR USE IN POWERED
CHAIRS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,943,174; and Ser. No. 15/640,938,
entitled BEAM MOUNTED CHAIR ASSEMBLIES, CHAIR ASSEMBLIES OF USE
WITHIN THE BEAM MOUNTED CHAIR ASSEMBLIES, COMPONENTS FOR USE WITHIN
THE CHAIR ASSEMBLIES AND PARTS FOR USE WITHIN THE COMPONENTS, filed
Jul. 3, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,808,085, the entire disclosures
of which are incorporated herein by reference.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A landing bracket for use in a rocker style chair assembly,
comprising: a substantially flat surface having a front portion and
a rear portion, wherein the front portion includes a front spring
assembly fastener hole, wherein the rear portion includes a rear
spring assembly fastener hole, and wherein the front portion is
separated from the rear portion via an over-travel bolt opening; a
side surface extending downward from the substantially flat surface
at approximately a ninety degree angle with respect to the
substantially flat surface, wherein the side surface includes a
first standard mounting hole and a second standard mounting hole
configured to attach the landing bracket to a standard, wherein the
side surface and the substantially flat surface define a continuous
piece of material; and a front surface extending downward from the
substantially flat surface at approximately a ninety degree angle
with respect to the substantially flat surface, wherein the front
surface includes at least one rounded corner, wherein the front
surface, the side surface and the substantially flat surface define
a continuous piece of material.
2. The landing bracket as in claim 1, wherein at least one of the
front spring assembly fastener hole and the rear spring assembly
fastener hole includes a slot configuration, wherein the slot
configuration aids associated seat size reductions due to
variations in associated standard mounting.
3. The landing bracket as in claim 1, wherein the front spring
assembly fastener hole and the rear spring assembly fastener hole
include a slot configuration.
4. The landing bracket as in claim 1, wherein the front surface
includes at least one debris cover mounting hole wherein the front
surface is configured as a structural reinforcing member.
5. The landing bracket as in claim 1, wherein the landing bracket
is configured as a left-hand landing bracket when the substantially
flat surface extends from the side surface in a first direction and
the landing bracket is configured as a right-hand landing bracket
when the substantially flat surface extends from the side surface
in a second direction, wherein the second direction is
substantially opposite the first direction.
6. The landing bracket as in claim 5, wherein the left-hand landing
bracket is formed from a first blank and the right-hand landing
bracket is formed from a second blank, wherein a perimeter of the
first blank and a perimeter of the second blank are substantially
the same.
7. A landing bracket for use in a rocker style chair assembly,
wherein the landing bracket defines a continuous piece of material,
the landing bracket comprising: a substantially flat surface
including a front portion having a front spring assembly fastener
hole, a rear portion having a rear spring assembly fastener hole,
and an over-travel bolt opening separating the front portion from
the rear portion, wherein the over-travel bolt opening is
configured to receive a bottom bushing of a spring assembly such
that a substantially flat bottom surface the spring assembly rests
on the substantially flat surface when the spring assembly is
position proximate the landing bracket; a side surface extending
downward from the substantially flat surface at approximately a
ninety degree angle with respect to the substantially flat surface,
wherein the side surface is configured to attach the landing
bracket to a standard; and a front surface extending downward from
the substantially flat surface at approximately a ninety degree
angle with respect to the substantially flat surface, wherein the
front surface includes at least one debris cover mounting hole.
8. The landing bracket as in claim 7, wherein the front surface
includes at least one rounded corner.
9. The landing bracket as in claim 7, wherein the landing bracket
is configured as a left-hand landing bracket when the substantially
flat surface extends from the side surface in a first direction and
the landing bracket is configured as a right-hand landing bracket
when the substantially flat surface extends from the side surface
in a second direction, wherein the second direction is
substantially opposite the first direction.
10. The landing bracket as in claim 9, wherein the left-hand
landing bracket is formed from a first blank and the right-hand
landing bracket is formed from a second blank, wherein a perimeter
of the first blank and a perimeter of the second blank are
substantially the same.
11. The landing bracket as in claim 9, wherein the left-hand
landing bracket is mounted to a standard relative to the a
right-hand landing bracket mounted to the standard such that the
associated assembly is essentially open between at least one of: a
corresponding left-hand seat pivot assembly and a corresponding
right-hand seat pivot assembly or a corresponding left-hand spring
assembly and a corresponding right-hand spring assembly.
12. The landing bracket as in claim 11, wherein a front of the
left-hand landing bracket is connected to a front of the right-hand
landing bracket.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure generally relates to rocker style chairs and
rocker style chairs with pivoting seats. More particularly, the
present disclosure relates to rocker style chairs and rocker style
chairs with pivoting seats, modular components for use within
rocker style chairs, parts for use within the modular components
and related manufacturing and installation methods.
BACKGROUND
Rocker style chairs are often installed in gymnasiums, auditoriums,
stadiums, theaters, arenas, conference centers, cinemas, home
theaters, places of worship (e.g., a church), education facilities,
classrooms, performance halls and the like. Rocker style chairs
with pivoting seats may be preferred to reduce space requirements
when compared to rocker style chairs that do not include pivoting
seats. For example, when a rocker style chair with a pivoting seat
is unoccupied, the seat automatically pivots upward such that the
seat does not extend as far into a related isle compared to when
the seat is occupied. Thereby, more rocker style chairs with
pivoting seats can be installed within a given space compared to
rocker style chairs without pivoting seats.
Rocker style chairs and rocker style chairs with pivoting seats
typically include a plethora of individual parts. Many of the
corresponding components, assembled from the individual parts, are
complex. Manufacturing of the parts and assembly of the components
is time consuming and expensive. Installation of a plurality of
rocker style chairs or rocker style chairs with pivoting seats,
starting with the individual parts on site, requires a protracted
amount of time and resources and involves a wide variety of
likelihood for error and lost parts.
Rocker style chairs and rocker style chairs with pivoting seats are
needed that minimize part manufacturing time, maximize material
usage and reduce component assembly time and chair installation
time. Furthermore, rocker style chairs and rocker style chairs with
pivoting seats are needed that minimize the need for skilled labor
during installation.
SUMMARY
An assembly for use in a rocker style chair may include a spring
assembly having a rubber body, a bottom cap, secured to a bottom
side of the rubber body, including a first fastener hole, a second
fastener hole and a bottom bushing hole. A bottom bushing may
extend through the bottom bushing hole. The spring may also include
a first fastener extending through the first fastener hole. The
first fastener may include a first enlarged head that is larger
than the first fastener hole and the first enlarged head may be
trapped between the bottom side of the rubber body and the bottom
cap. The spring may further include a second fastener extending
through the second fastener hole. The second fastener may include a
second enlarged head that is larger than the second fastener hole
and the second enlarged head may be trapped between the bottom side
of the rubber body and the bottom cap. The assembly may also
include a landing bracket having a substantially flat, horizontal
surface including a front spring assembly fastener hole, a rear
spring assembly fastener hole, and an over-travel bolt opening
configured to receive the bottom bushing of the spring assembly
such that a substantially flat bottom surface of the spring
assembly rests on the substantially flat, horizontal surface when
the spring assembly is position proximate the landing bracket.
In another embodiment, an assembly for use in a rocker style chair
may include a spring secured to a landing bracket. The spring may
include a rubber body including a top side, a bottom side, a first
side, a second side, a front end side, a rear end side, a top
bushing located on the top side, a bottom bushing located on the
bottom side, a substantially cylindrically shaped over-travel bolt
passageway extending through the top bushing, through the rubber
body from the top side to the bottom side and through the bottom
bushing. The spring may also include a top cap, secured to the top
side of the rubber body, including a first fastener hole, a second
fastener hole and a top bushing hole. The top bushing may extend
through the top bushing hole. The spring may further include a
bottom cap, secured to the bottom side of the rubber body,
including a third fastener hole, a fourth fastener hole and a
bottom bushing hole. The bottom bushing may extend through the
bottom bushing hole. The spring may yet further include a first
fastener extending through the first fastener hole. The first
fastener may include a first enlarged head that may be larger than
the first fastener hole and the first enlarged head may be trapped
between the top side of the rubber body and the top cap. The spring
may also include a second fastener extending through the second
fastener hole. The second fastener may include a second enlarged
head that may be larger than the second fastener hole and the
second enlarged head may be trapped between the top side of the
rubber body and the top cap. The spring may further include a third
fastener extending through the third fastener hole. The third
fastener may include a third enlarged head that may be larger than
the third fastener hole and the third enlarged head may be trapped
between the bottom side of the rubber body and the bottom cap. The
spring may yet further include a fourth fastener extending through
the fourth fastener hole. The fourth fastener may include a fourth
enlarged head that may be larger than the fourth fastener hole and
the fourth enlarged head may be trapped between the bottom side of
the rubber body and the bottom cap.
In a further embodiment, an assembly for use in a rocker style
chair may include a spring attached to a landing bracket. The
landing bracket may includes a substantially flat, horizontal
surface including a front spring assembly fastener hole, a rear
spring assembly fastener hole and an over-travel bolt opening. The
over-travel bolt opening may be configured to receive a bottom
bushing of a spring assembly such that a substantially flat bottom
surface the spring assembly may rest on the substantially flat,
horizontal surface when the spring assembly is position proximate
the landing bracket. The landing bracket may also include a side
surface extending downward from the substantially flat, horizontal
surface at approximately a ninety degree angle with respect to the
substantially flat, horizontal surface. The side surface may be
configured to attach the landing bracket to a standard.
An assembly for use in a rocker style chair may include a spring
assembly having a rubber body, a bottom cap, secured to a bottom
side of the rubber body, including a first fastener hole, a second
fastener hole and a bottom bushing hole. A bottom bushing may
extend through the bottom bushing hole. The spring may also include
a first fastener extending through the first fastener hole. The
first fastener may include a first enlarged head that is larger
than the first fastener hole and the first enlarged head may be
trapped between the bottom side of the rubber body and the bottom
cap. The spring may further include a second fastener extending
through the second fastener hole. The second fastener may include a
second enlarged head that is larger than the second fastener hole
and the second enlarged head may be trapped between the bottom side
of the rubber body and the bottom cap. The assembly may also
include a landing bracket having a substantially flat, horizontal
surface including a front spring assembly fastener hole, a rear
spring assembly fastener hole, and an over-travel bolt opening
configured to receive the bottom bushing of the spring assembly
such that a substantially flat bottom surface of the spring
assembly rests on the substantially flat, horizontal surface when
the spring assembly is position proximate the landing bracket.
In another embodiment, a seat bracket for use in a rocker style
chair may include an over-travel bolt nut receptacle, wherein the
over-travel bolt nut receptacle is configured to receive an
associated over-travel bolt nut and to prevent the over-travel bolt
nut from rotating when the over-travel bolt nut is received within
the over-travel bolt nut receptacle. The seat bracket may further
include a seat assembly fastener hole and corresponding seat
assembly fastening receptacle, wherein the seat assembly fastening
receptacle is configured to receive an associated seat assembly
fastening head and to prevent the seat assembly fastening from
rotating when the seat assembly fastening head is received within
the seat assembly fastening head receptacle.
In a further embodiment, a seat bracket for use in a rocker style
chair include at least one fastener head receptacle, wherein the at
least one fastener head receptacle is configured to receive a
fastener head and to prevent the fastener head from rotating when a
fastener head is received within the fastener head receptacle. The
seat bracket may further include a substantially flat bottom
surface that is configured to engage a substantially flat surface
of an associated spring assembly.
In yet another embodiment, a rocker style chair is provided. The
rocker style chair may include a modular left-hand standard
assembly including a left-hand landing bracket, wherein the
left-hand landing bracket is shaped from a first landing bracket
blank. The rocker style chair may also include a modular right-hand
standard assembly including a right-hand landing bracket, wherein
the right-hand landing bracket is shaped from a second landing
bracket blank and wherein the second landing bracket blank is
substantially the same shape as the first landing bracket blank and
the right-hand landing bracket is substantially a mirror image of
the left-hand landing bracket. The rocker style chair may further
include a modular chair seat assembly and a modular chair back
assembly.
In yet a further embodiment, a method of installing at least one of
rocker style chair at an installation site is provided. The method
may include assembling at least two modular standard assemblies at
a first site. The method may also include assembling at least one
modular chair seat assembly at a second site. The method may
further include assembling at least one modular chair back assembly
at a third site. The method may yet further include delivering the
at least two modular standard assemblies, the at least one modular
chair seat assembly and the at least one modular chair back
assembly to the installation site, wherein a geographic location of
the first site, a geographic location of the second site and a
geographic location of the third site are different than a
geographic location of the installation site. The method may also
include placing the at least one modular chair seat assembly and
the at least one modular chair back assembly proximate the at least
two modular standard assemblies, at the installation site, in a
free standing, final resting position at the installation site,
without using any hand tools or fasteners, to define at least one
rocker style chair.
In another embodiment, a plurality of rocker style chairs are
provided. The plurality of rocker style chairs may include at least
one modular left-hand standard assembly including a left-hand
landing bracket, wherein the left-hand landing bracket is shaped
from a first landing bracket blank. The plurality of rocker style
chairs may also include at least one modular center standard
assembly including a left-hand landing bracket and a right-hand
landing bracket, wherein the right-hand landing bracket is shaped
from a second landing bracket blank and wherein the second landing
bracket blank is substantially the same shape as the first landing
bracket blank and the right-hand landing bracket is substantially a
mirror image of the left-hand landing bracket. The plurality of
rocker style chairs may further include at least one modular
right-hand standard assembly including a right-hand landing
bracket. The plurality of rocker style chairs may yet further
include at least two modular chair seat assemblies and at least two
modular chair back assemblies.
In yet further embodiments, at least one component and/or assembly
is provided that may be used on either a right-side of an
associated rocker style chair or a left-side of the associated
rocker style chair.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The figures described below depict various aspects of rocker style
chairs and rocker style chairs with pivoting seats, components for
use within the chairs and parts for use within the components that
are disclosed herein. It should be understood that each figure
depicts an embodiment of a particular aspect of the disclosed
chairs, components and/or parts, and that each of the figures is
intended to accord with a possible embodiment thereof. Furthermore,
wherever possible, the following description refers to the
reference numerals included in the following figures, in which
features depicted in multiple figures may be designated with
consistent reference numerals and/or consistent reference numerals
having a differing concatenated letter.
FIG. 1A depicts a plan view of an example rocker style chair with
pivoting seat installation;
FIG. 1B depicts a perspective view of two example rocker style
chairs with pivoting seats installed as shown in FIG. 1A;
FIG. 1C depicts a side, profile, view of an example rocker style
chair "rocking" between various positions;
FIG. 1D depicts an exploded, perspective view of the two example
rocker style chairs with pivoting seats of FIG. 1B;
FIG. 1E depicts a perspective view of the two example rocker style
chairs with pivoting seats of FIG. 1B;
FIG. 1F depicts a perspective view of the two example rocker style
chairs with pivoting seats of FIG. 1E with related arm rests and
cup holders removed;
FIG. 1G depicts a perspective view of the two example rocker style
chairs with pivoting seats of FIG. 1F with related dust covers
removed;
FIG. 1H depicts a front profile view of the two example rocker
style chairs with pivoting seats of FIG. 1B;
FIG. 1J depicts a rear profile view of the two example rocker style
chairs with pivoting seats of FIG. 1B;
FIG. 1K depicts a left-side profile view of the two example rocker
style chairs with pivoting seats of FIG. 1B;
FIG. 1L depicts a right-side profile view of the two example rocker
style chairs with pivoting seats of FIG. 1B;
FIG. 2A depicts a front perspective view of an example chair back
assembly for use within either of the rocker style chairs of FIG.
1B;
FIG. 2B depicts a rear perspective view of an example chair back
assembly for use within either of the rocker style chairs of FIG.
1B;
FIG. 2C depicts an exploded, front perspective view of an example
chair back assembly for use within either of the rocker style
chairs of FIG. 1B;
FIG. 2D depicts an exploded, rear perspective view of an example
chair back assembly for use within either of the rocker style
chairs of FIG. 1B;
FIG. 3A depicts a front, top, perspective view of an example chair
seat assembly for use within either of the rocker style chairs of
FIG. 1B;
FIG. 3B depicts a front, bottom, perspective view of an example
chair seat assembly for use within either of the rocker style
chairs of FIG. 1B;
FIG. 3C depicts a front profile view of an example chair seat
assembly for use within either of the rocker style chairs of FIG.
1B;
FIG. 3D depicts a bottom profile view of an example chair seat
assembly for use within either of the rocker style chairs of FIG.
1B;
FIG. 3E depicts a front profile view of an example chair seat
assembly, pivoted upward, for use within either of the rocker style
chairs of FIG. 1B;
FIG. 3F depicts a left-side profile view of an example chair seat
assembly for use within either of the rocker style chairs of FIG.
1B;
FIG. 3G depicts a top profile view of an example chair seat
assembly for use within either of the rocker style chairs of FIG.
1B;
FIG. 3H depicts an exploded front, top, perspective view of an
example chair seat assembly for use within either of the rocker
style chairs of FIG. 1B;
FIG. 3J depicts an exploded front, bottom, perspective view of an
example chair seat assembly for use within either of the rocker
style chairs of FIG. 1B;
FIG. 3K depicts an exploded front, top, perspective view of an
example chair seat assembly for use within either of the rocker
style chairs of FIG. 1B;
FIG. 3L depicts an exploded front, bottom, perspective view of an
example chair seat assembly for use within either of the rocker
style chairs of FIG. 1B;
FIG. 4A depicts a front, top, perspective view of example standard
assemblies for use within the rocker style chairs of FIG. 1B;
FIG. 4B depicts a rear, profile view of example standard assemblies
for use within the rocker style chairs of FIG. 1B;
FIG. 4C depicts a bottom, profile view of example standard
assemblies for use within the rocker style chairs of FIG. 1B;
FIG. 4D depicts a front, profile view of example standard
assemblies for use within the rocker style chairs of FIG. 1B;
FIG. 4E depicts a top, profile view of example standard assemblies
for use within the rocker style chairs of FIG. 1B;
FIG. 4F depicts a front, top, perspective view of an example
right-side standard assembly for use within the rocker style chairs
of FIG. 1B;
FIG. 4G depicts a front, top, exploded, perspective view of an
example right-side standard of FIG. 4F;
FIG. 4H depicts a front, top, perspective view of an example center
standard assembly for use within the rocker style chairs of FIG.
1B;
FIG. 4J depicts a front, top, exploded, perspective view of an
example center standard assembly of FIG. 4H;
FIG. 4K depicts a front, top, perspective view of an example
left-side standard assembly for use within the rocker style chairs
of FIG. 1B;
FIG. 4L depicts a front, top, exploded, perspective view of an
example left-side standard assembly of FIG. 4K;
FIG. 4M depicts a front, top, perspective view of another example
right-side standard assembly for use within the rocker style chairs
of FIG. 1B;
FIG. 4N depicts a front, top, exploded, perspective view of another
example right-side standard assembly of FIG. 4M;
FIG. 4P depicts a front, top, perspective view of another example
center standard assembly for use within the rocker style chairs of
FIG. 1B;
FIG. 4Q depicts a front, top, exploded, perspective view of the
example center standard assembly of FIG. 4P;
FIG. 4R depicts a front, side, perspective view of another example
center standard assembly for use within the rocker style chairs of
FIG. 1B;
FIG. 4S depicts a front, side, perspective view of another example
center standard assembly for use within the rocker style chairs of
FIG. 1B;
FIG. 4T depicts a front, side, exploded, perspective view of the
example center standard assembly of FIG. 4S;
FIG. 4U depicts a front, side, perspective view of another example
center standard assembly for use within the rocker style chairs of
FIG. 1B;
FIG. 4V depicts a front, right-side, perspective view of an example
right-end standard assembly for use within the rocker style chairs
of FIG. 1B;
FIG. 4W depicts a front, left-side, perspective view of the example
right-end standard assembly of FIG. 4V;
FIG. 4X depicts a front, right-side, exploded, perspective view of
the right-end standard assembly of FIG. 4V;
FIG. 4Y depicts a front, left-side, exploded, perspective view of
the example right-end standard assembly of FIG. 4V;
FIGS. 4Z1-4Z4 depict various perspective views of an example
right-end standard assembly;
FIG. 5A depicts a rear, top, perspective view of an example
left-side chair assembly for use within the rocker style chairs of
FIG. 1B;
FIG. 5B depicts an exploded, perspective, view of the example
left-side chair assembly of FIG. 5A;
FIG. 5C depicts a front, bottom, perspective view of an example
left-side chair assembly for use within the rocker style chairs of
FIG. 1B;
FIG. 5D depicts an exploded, perspective, view of the example
left-side chair assembly of FIG. 5C;
FIG. 5E depicts a top, plan, view of the example left-side chair
assembly of FIG. 5A;
FIG. 5F depicts a side, plan, section view of the example left-side
chair assembly of FIG. 5E;
FIG. 5G depicts a right-side perspective view of another example
left-side chair assembly for use within the rocker style chairs of
FIG. 1B;
FIG. 5H depicts a left-side perspective view of the left-side chair
assembly of FIG. 5G;
FIG. 5J depicts a right-side perspective view of another example
right-side chair assembly for use within the rocker style chairs of
FIG. 1B;
FIG. 5K depicts a left-side perspective view of the right-side
chair assembly of FIG. 5J;
FIG. 6A depicts a front, top, perspective view of an example
left-side bottom bracket and back bracket for use within the rocker
style chairs of FIG. 1B;
FIG. 6B depicts a front, top, perspective view of left-side bottom
bracket and back bracket for use within the rocker style chairs of
FIG. 1B with the back bracket rotated;
FIG. 7A depicts a front, top, perspective view of right-side bottom
bracket and back bracket for use within the rocker style chairs of
FIG. 1B;
FIG. 7B depicts a front, top, perspective view of right-side bottom
bracket and back bracket for use within the rocker style chairs of
FIG. 1B with the back bracket rotated;
FIG. 7C depicts a front, top, perspective view of right-side bottom
bracket for use within the rocker style chairs of FIG. 1B with the
back bracket rotated;
FIG. 7D depicts a front, bottom, perspective view of right-side
bottom bracket for use within the rocker style chairs of FIG. 1B
with the back bracket rotated;
FIGS. 8A, 8C and 8D each depict a front, bottom, perspective view
of an example left-side chair pivot for use within the rocker style
chairs of FIG. 1B in a position reflecting an occupant is in the
chair;
FIG. 8B depicts a front, bottom, exploded, perspective view of an
example left-side chair pivot for use within the rocker style
chairs of FIG. 1B;
FIG. 8E depicts a front, bottom, perspective view of an example
right-side chair pivot for use within the rocker style chairs of
FIG. 1B in a position reflecting no occupant in the chair;
FIGS. 9A, 9C and 9D each depict a front, bottom, perspective view
of an example right-side chair pivot for use within the rocker
style chairs of FIG. 1B in a position reflecting an occupant is in
the chair;
FIG. 9B depicts a front, bottom, exploded, perspective view of an
example right-side chair pivot for use within the rocker style
chairs of FIG. 1B;
FIG. 9E depicts a front, bottom, perspective view of an example
left-side chair pivot for use within the rocker style chairs of
FIG. 1B in a position reflecting no occupant in the chair;
FIG. 10A depicts a rear, top, perspective view of an example spring
for use within the rocker style chairs of FIG. 1B;
FIG. 10B depicts a rear, top, exploded, perspective view of an
example spring for use within the rocker style chairs of FIG.
1B;
FIG. 11A depicts a blank of a right-hand debris cover formed in a
flat piece of metal;
FIG. 11B depicts a perspective view of a right-hand debris cover
shaped from the blank of FIG. 11A;
FIG. 12A depicts a blank of a center debris cover formed in a flat
piece of metal;
FIG. 12B depicts a perspective view of a center debris cover shaped
from the blank of FIG. 12A;
FIG. 13A depicts a blank of a left-hand debris cover formed in a
flat piece of metal;
FIG. 13B depicts a perspective view of a left-hand debris cover
shaped from the blank of FIG. 13A;
FIG. 14 depicts an end cover formed in a flat piece of metal;
FIG. 15A depicts a blank of a right-hand landing bracket formed in
a flat piece of metal;
FIG. 15B depicts a perspective view of a right-hand landing bracket
shaped from the blank of FIG. 15A;
FIG. 16A depicts a blank of a left-hand landing bracket formed in a
flat piece of metal;
FIG. 16B depicts a perspective view of a left-hand landing bracket
shaped from the blank of FIG. 16A;
FIG. 17A depicts a blank of a right-hand seat connector formed in a
flat piece of metal;
FIG. 17B depicts a perspective view of a right-hand seat connector
shaped from the blank of FIG. 17A;
FIG. 18A depicts a blank of a left-hand seat connector formed in a
flat piece of metal;
FIG. 18B depicts a perspective view of a left-hand seat connector
shaped from the blank of FIG. 18A;
FIG. 19A depicts a blank of a right-hand pivot arm formed in a flat
piece of metal;
FIG. 19B depicts a perspective view of a right-hand pivot arm
shaped from the blank of FIG. 19A;
FIGS. 20A and 20C each depict a blank of a left-hand pivot arm
formed in a flat piece of metal;
FIGS. 20B, 20D and 20E each depict a perspective view of a
left-hand pivot arm shaped from the blank of FIG. 20A;
FIG. 21 depicts a flow diagram of a method of forming a component
from a flat piece of metal;
FIG. 22 depicts a flow diagram of a method of installing a
plurality of rocker style chairs;
FIGS. 23A-23G depict various example debris covers;
FIGS. 23H and 23J-23K depict various views of an example right-end
cover;
FIGS. 24A-24F depict various views of a portion of an example chair
having a chair seat hinge mechanism;
FIGS. 24G, 24H, 24J and 24K depict various views of an example
chair seat hinge mechanism;
FIG. 25A depicts a front, top, perspective view of an example cup
holder;
FIG. 25B depicts a bottom, rear, perspective view of an example cup
holder;
FIG. 25C depicts a top plan view of an example cup holder;
FIG. 25D depicts a bottom plan view of an example cup holder;
FIG. 26A depicts a front, top, perspective view of an example cup
holder;
FIG. 26B depicts a bottom, rear, perspective view of an example cup
holder;
FIG. 26C depicts a top plan view of an example cup holder;
FIG. 26D depicts a bottom plan view of an example cup holder;
FIG. 27A depicts a front, top, perspective view of an example cup
holder;
FIG. 27B depicts a bottom, rear, perspective view of an example cup
holder;
FIG. 27C depicts a top plan view of an example cup holder;
FIG. 27D depicts a bottom plan view of an example cup holder;
FIG. 28A depicts a front, top, perspective view of an example cup
holder;
FIG. 28B depicts a bottom, rear, perspective view of an example cup
holder;
FIG. 28C depicts a top plan view of an example cup holder;
FIG. 28D depicts a bottom plan view of an example cup holder;
FIGS. 29A-29C depict various views of an example accessory tray
assembly;
FIGS. 30A-30D depict various views of an example accessory tray
assembly support;
FIG. 31 depicts an exploded view of an example accessory tray
assembly;
FIGS. 32A-32G depict various views of an example accessory tray
assembly support and tray base;
FIGS. 33A and 33B depict an example accessory tray base;
FIGS. 34A-34D depict various views of an example outer bearing for
use within accessory tray assemblies;
FIGS. 35A-35C depict various views of an example biasing spring for
use within accessory tray assemblies;
FIGS. 36A and 36B depict various views of an example pivotally
stowaway tray assembly with accessory compartment;
FIG. 37 depicts an example pivotally stowaway tray assembly with
accessory compartment;
FIGS. 38A and 38B depict various views of an example pivotally
stowaway tray assembly with accessory compartment;
FIGS. 39A and 39B depict various views and components of an example
accessory tray assembly and related attachment components;
FIGS. 40A-40C depict various views and components of an example
accessory tray assembly and related attachment components;
FIGS. 41A-41D depict various views of an example rocker style chair
assembly;
FIG. 42A-41C depict various views of an example rocker style chair
assembly including retractable wheels; and
FIG. 43 depicts an exploded view of an example rocker style chair
assembly including a manually operated mechanism.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The rocker style chairs and rocker style chairs with pivoting seats
of the present disclosure may be installed within gymnasiums,
auditoriums, stadiums, theaters, arenas, conference centers,
cinemas, places of worship (e.g., a church), education facilities,
classrooms, performance halls, home theaters and the like. The
individual rocker style chairs or rocker style chairs with pivoting
seats, or a related installation structure, may include power
and/or data connections for use by a chair occupant.
The rocker style chairs and rocker style chairs with pivoting seats
of the present disclosure may be assembled, on site, starting with
a set of modular components. For example, each rocker style chair
may include a left-hand standard module, a right-hand standard
module, a chair seat module and a chair back module (i.e., each
rocker style chair may include four modular components). When two,
or more, rocker style chairs are installed side-by-side in a row,
each rocker style chair, within a row of side-by-side rocker style
chairs, may share a center standard module. In any event, the
individual modular components (e.g., left-hand standard module,
right-hand standard module, center standard module, chair seat
module and chair back module) may be pre-assembled off site. As a
result, on-site installation time is minimized, the need for
on-site skilled labor is minimized, the likelihood of losing parts
on-site is minimized, on-site assembly errors are minimized,
etc.
The rocker style chairs and rocker style chairs with pivoting
seats, related components and parts of the present disclosure may
provide additional comfort to a chair occupant compared to a
non-rocker style chair. Furthermore, the rocker style chairs and
rocker style chairs with pivoting seats of the present disclosure
may incorporate a chair seat and, or a chair back as described in
commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 61/868,547,
filed Aug. 21, 2013, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated
by reference herein. Moreover, the rocker style chairs and rocker
style chairs with pivoting seats, related components and parts of
the present disclosure may include noise minimizing features.
The terms "right-hand," "right-side," "left-hand" and "left-side"
are used herein in reference to a location of various components,
parts and assemblies with respect to an occupant setting in a
related rocker style chair. In particular, the side of an occupant
that is closest to a related component, part or assembly will be
used to identify the component, part or assembly.
Turning to FIG. 1A, a plan view of an example rocker style chair
installation 100a is depicted. The installation 100a may include a
first section 101a, a second section 102a and a third section 103a.
The installation 100a may further include a first isle 104a between
the sections 101a, 102a and a second isle 104a between the sections
102a, 103a. While the installation 100a of FIG. 1A is depicted to
include three sections 101a, 102a, 103a and two isles 104a, any
given installation may include more, or less sections and/or isles
than are shown in FIG. 1A. As further depicted in FIG. 1A, each
section 101a, 102a, 103a may include a first row 105a, a second row
106a, a third row 107a, a fourth row 108a and a fifth row 109a.
While the installation 100a of FIG. 1A is depicted to include five
rows 105a, 106a, 107a, 108a, 109a, any given installation may
include more, or less rows than are shown in FIG. 1A. As also
depicted in FIG. 1A, any given row 105a, 106a, 107a, 108a, 109a,
within any given section 101a, 102a, 103a may include eight or ten
individual rocker style chairs 115a, 150a. While the installation
100a of FIG. 1A is depicted to include either eight or ten
individual rocker style chairs 115a, 150a within any given row
105a, 106a, 107a, 108a, 109a, within any given section 101a, 102a,
103a, any given installation may include more, or less individual
rocker style chairs 115a, 150a within any given row. Details of the
individual rocker style chairs 115a, 150a, related modular
components and individual parts are described herein.
With further reference to FIG. 1A, the installation 100a may
include a plurality of power and, or data outlets 110a with
interconnections 111a. For example, each rocker style chair 115a,
150a may include a power and/or data outlet 110a such that each
chair occupant has her own power and/or data outlet 110a.
Alternatively, a power and/or data outlet 110a may be centrally
located proximate two or more rocker style chairs 115a, 150a such
that two or more chair occupants may share the centrally located
power and/or data outlet 110a.
Turning to FIG. 1B, a perspective view of two example rocker style
chairs 115b, 150b with pivoting seats is depicted within an
installation 100b. While the rocker style chairs 115b, 150b of FIG.
1B include pivoting seats, any given rocker style chair 115b, 150b
may include a non-pivoting seat. The installation 100b may be
similar to the installation 100a. The installation 100b may include
a second row 109b that is elevated with respect to a first row
108b. While the installation 100b of FIG. 1B is depicted to include
two rows 108b, 109b, the installation 100b may include any number
of rows. Furthermore, the rows 105a, 106a, 107a, 108a, 109a of FIG.
1A may be elevationally arranged with respect to one another
similar to the rows 108b, 109b of FIG. 1B.
With further reference to FIG. 1B, the first rocker style chair
115a may include a chair seat 316b, a chair back 235b, a right-hand
arm rest 190b with a cup holder 191b. The first rocker style chair
115b may be supported by a center standard 430b and a right-hand
standard (not shown in FIG. 1B). The center standard 430b may
include a debris cover 197b. The chair seat 316b is depicted in a
position reflecting an occupant within the rocker style chair 115b.
The second rocker style chair 150b may include a chair seat 151b, a
chair back 270b, a left-hand arm rest 195b with a cup holder 194b.
The chair seat 151b is depicted in a position reflecting no
occupant within the rocker style chair 150b (i.e., as described in
detail herein the chair seat 151b automatically pivots upward to
increase chair access space). The second rocker style chair 150b
may be supported by a center standard 430b and a left-hand standard
460b. The left-hand standard 460b may include a debris cover 198b
and end cover 199b. The debris covers 197b, 198b and end cover 199b
may prevent accumulation of debris in, and around a related rocker
spring and related components, as well as, limiting occupant
exposure to the rocker spring and related components. A right-hand
arm rest 190b and/or left-hand arm rest 195a may be configured as
an arm box as disclosed, for example, in commonly assigned U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 15/640,938, which is incorporated in
its entirety herein by reference, along with a cup holder, display,
operator interface, tray, etc.
Turning to FIG. 1C, a right-side, profile, view of an example
rocker style chair 100c is depicted "rocking" between a first
position 116c1, 136c1 and a second position 116c2, 136c2. The
rocker style chair 100c may be similar to either of the rocker
style chairs 115b, 150b of FIG. 1B. As can be seen in FIG. 1C, the
standard 400c, the arm rest 190c and the cup holder 191c remain
substantially stationary while the rocker style chair 100c rocks
between the first position 116c1, 136c1 and a second position
116c2, 136c2.
Turning to FIG. 1D an exploded, perspective view of the two example
rocker style chairs with pivoting seats 100d, similar to the rocker
style chairs 115b, 150b of FIG. 1B, is depicted in proximity to an
associated installation structure 108d, 109d. The two rocker style
chairs with pivoting seats 100d may include a right-hand modular
standard assembly 400d, a center modular standard assembly 430d, a
left-hand modular standard assembly 460d, a first modular chair
seat assembly 116d, a first modular chair back assembly 136d, a
second modular chair seat assembly 151d and a second modular chair
back assembly 170d. The right-hand modular standard assembly 400d
may include a debris cover 196d, an arm rest 190d and a cup holder
191d. The center modular standard assembly 430d may include a
debris cover 196d, an arm rest 192d and a cup holder 193d. The
left-hand modular standard assembly 460d may include a debris cover
198d, an end cover 199d, an arm rest 195d and a cup holder
194d.
Additional details of the modular chair back assembly 136d, 170d
are included throughout this disclosure and particularly with
regard to FIGS. 2A-2D. Additional details of the modular chair seat
assembly 116d, 151d are included throughout this disclosure and
particularly with regard to FIGS. 3A-3H and 3J. Additional details
of right-hand modular standard assembly 400d are included
throughout this disclosure and particularly with regard to FIGS.
4A-4G, M and N. Additional details of the center modular standard
assembly 430d are included throughout this disclosure and
particularly with regard to FIGS. 4A-4E, H, J, P and Q. Additional
details of the left-hand modular standard assembly 460d are
included throughout this disclosure and particularly with regard to
FIGS. 4A-E, K and L. Additional details of the related components
and parts are included throughout this disclosure and particularly
with regard to FIGS. 5A-5E, 6A, 6B, 7A-7D, 8A-8C, 9A-9C, 10A and
10B.
With reference now to FIG. 1E, a perspective view of the two
example rocker style chairs with pivoting seats 100e is depicted.
The two rocker style chairs 100e may be similar to the rocker style
chairs 115b, 150b of FIG. 1B. The first rocker style chair 115e may
include a chair seat 116e, a chair back 235e, a right-hand arm rest
190e with a cup holder 191e. The first rocker style chair 115e may
be supported by a center standard 430e and a right-hand standard
400e. The right-hand standard 400e may include a debris cover 196e
and the center standard 430b may include a debris cover 197b and a
mounting foot 431e. The chair seat 116e is depicted in a position
reflecting an occupant within the rocker style chair 115e. The
second rocker style chair 150e may include a chair seat 151e, a
chair back 270e, a left-hand arm rest 195e with a cup holder 194e.
The chair seat 151e is depicted in a position reflecting no
occupant within the rocker style chair 150e (i.e., as described in
detail herein the chair seat 151e automatically pivots upward to
increase chair access space). The second rocker style chair 150e
may be supported by the center standard 430e and a left-hand
standard 460e. The left-hand standard 460e may include a debris
cover 198e, end cover 199e, a right-hand landing bracket 465e, a
horizontal mounting structure 461e, a first mounting foot 462e and
a second mounting foot 463e.
FIG. 1F depicts a perspective view of the two example rocker style
chairs with pivoting seats 100f. The two example rocker chairs with
pivoting seats 100f of FIG. 1F may be similar to the rocker style
chairs 115e, 150e of FIG. 1E. As depicted in FIG. 1F, however,
related arm rests 190e, 192e, 195e and cup holders 191e, 193e, 194e
are removed. In addition to the components described with regard to
FIG. 1E, the right-hand standard 400f may include an arm rest
attachment 412f, an arm rest support 417f and an end-cap 419f. In
addition to the components described with regard to FIG. 1E, the
center standard 430f may include an arm rest attachment 412f and an
arm rest support 417f. In addition to the components described with
regard to FIG. 1E, the left-hand standard 460f may include an arm
rest attachment 412f, an arm rest support 417f, an arm rest pivot
ring 418f and an end-cap 419f. The remaining reference numbers of
FIG. 1F relate to similarly identified components of FIG. 1E having
the "e" replaced with an "f".
FIG. 1G depicts a perspective view of the two example rocker style
chairs with pivoting seats 100g. The two example rocker chairs with
pivoting seats 100g of FIG. 1G may be similar to the rocker style
chairs 115e, 150e of FIG. 1E. As depicted in FIG. 1G, however,
related arm rests 190e, 192e, 195e, cup holders 191e, 193e, 194e,
debris covers 196e, 197e, 198e and end cover 199e are removed. In
addition to the components described with regard to FIG. 1E, the
right-hand standard 400g may include an arm rest attachment 412g,
an arm rest support 417g and an end-cap 419g. In addition to the
components described with regard to FIG. 1E, the center standard
430g may include an arm rest attachment 412g, an arm rest support
417g, a left-hand landing bracket 432g, a first spring assembly
1000g, a right-hand landing bracket 433g and a second spring
assembly 1000g. In addition to the components described with regard
to FIG. 1E, the left-hand standard 460g may include an arm rest
attachment 412g, an arm rest support 417g, an arm rest pivot ring
418g, an end-cap 419g, a left-hand landing bracket 464g, a spring
assembly 1000g and a right-hand landing bracket 465g. The remaining
reference numbers of FIG. 1G relate to similarly identified
components of FIG. 1E having the "e" replaced with an "g".
Turning to FIG. 1H, a front profile view of the two example rocker
style chairs with pivoting seats 100h is depicted. The two rocker
style chairs with pivoting seats 100h of FIG. 1H may be similar to
the two rocker style chairs with pivoting seats 115b, 150b of FIG.
1B. The first rocker style chair with pivoting seat 115h may
include a right-hand standard assembly 400h, a chair seat assembly
116h and a chair back assembly 235h. The second rocker style chair
with pivoting seat 150h may include a left-hand standard assembly
460h, a chair seat assembly 151h and a chair back assembly 270h.
The first rocker style chair with pivoting seat 115h and the second
rocker style chair with pivoting seat 150h may share a center
standard assembly 430h.
With further reference to FIG. 1H, the right-hand standard assembly
400h may include a cup holder 191h, a debris cover 196h, a first
mounting foot 403h and a second mounting foot 404h. The chair seat
assemblies 116h, 151h may include a decorative bottom 318h, a
right-hand seat pivot assembly 900h and a left-hand seat pivot
assembly 800h. The center standard assembly 430h may include a cup
holder 193h, a debris cover 197h and a mounting foot 431h. The
left-hand standard assembly 460h may include a cup holder 194h, a
debris cover 198h, a first mounting foot 462h and a second mounting
foot 463h.
Turning to FIG. 1J, a rear profile view of the two example rocker
style chairs with pivoting seats 100j is depicted. The two rocker
style chairs with pivoting seats 100j of FIG. 1J may be similar to
the two rocker style chairs with pivoting seats 115b, 150b of FIG.
1B. The first rocker style chair with pivoting seat 115j may
include a right-hand standard assembly 400j, a chair seat assembly
116j and a chair back assembly 235j. The second rocker style chair
with pivoting seat 150j may include a left-hand standard assembly
460j, a chair seat assembly 151j and a chair back assembly 270j.
The first rocker style chair with pivoting seat 115j and the second
rocker style chair with pivoting seat 150j may share a center
standard assembly 430j.
With further reference to FIG. 1J, the right-hand standard assembly
400j may include an arm rest 190j, a cup holder 191j, a debris
cover 196j, a horizontal structural member 402j, a first mounting
foot 403j and a second mounting foot 404j. The chair seat
assemblies 116j, 151j may include a decorative bottom 318j. The
center standard assembly 430j may include an arm rest 192j, a first
spring assembly 1000j, a second spring assembly 1000j and a
mounting foot 431j. The left-hand standard assembly 460j may
include an arm rest 194j, a cup holder 194j, a debris cover 198j, a
horizontal structural member 461j, a first mounting foot 462j and a
second mounting foot 463j.
Turning to FIG. 1K, a left-side profile view of the two example
rocker style chairs with pivoting seats 100k is depicted. The two
rocker style chairs with pivoting seats 100k may be similar to the
two example rocker style chairs with pivoting seats 115b, 150b of
FIG. 1B. The two rocker style chairs with pivoting seats 100k may
include a first chair seat assembly 116k with a decorative bottom
318k, a second chair seat assembly 151k with a decorative bottom
318k, a chair back assembly 150k with decorative back 238k, a
center standard assembly 430k with a mounting foot 431k and a
left-hand standard assembly 460k. The left-hand standard assembly
460k may include a right-hand landing bracket 465k, an end cover
199k, a horizontal structural member 461k, a first mounting foot
462k and a second mounting foot 463k.
The rocker style chairs with pivoting seats 100k may also include
an ottoman 101k. The rocker style chairs with pivoting seats 100k
may include a manual control (e.g., manual mechanism 4340 of FIG.
43) configured to allow a chair occupant to manually reposition the
ottoman 101k. Alternatively, the rocker style chairs with pivoting
seats 100k may include a powered control (e.g., an electric powered
actuator and push buttons) configured to allow a chair occupant to
reposition the ottoman 101k as disclosed, for example, in commonly
assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/640,938, which is
incorporated in its entirety herein by reference. When a powered
control is included, the ottoman 101k may automatically retract in
response to a remote control (e.g., a venue emergency system, a
venue cleaning system, a venue ticketing system). Similarly, the
ottoman 101k may automatically extend in response to a remote
control (e.g., a venue cleaning system). A first ottoman 101k may
be inhibited from starting to move when a second ottoman 101k of
another chair is starting to move, thereby, reducing electric power
demand.
The rocker style chairs with pivoting seats 100k may include any of
the electrical power and/or data systems as disclosed in, for
example, commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No.
15/640,938, which is incorporated in its entirety herein by
reference. Similarly, the rocker style chairs without pivoting
seats 4100a-d of FIGS. 41A-D may include any of the electrical
power and/or data systems as disclosed in, for example, commonly
assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/640,938.
Turning to FIG. 1L, a right-side profile view of the two example
rocker style chairs with pivoting seats 100l is depicted. The two
rocker style chairs with pivoting seats 100l may be similar to the
two example rocker style chairs with pivoting seats 115b, 150b of
FIG. 1B. The two rocker style chairs with pivoting seats 100l may
include a first chair seat assembly 116l with a decorative bottom
318l, a second chair seat assembly 151l with a decorative bottom
318l, a chair back assembly 235l with decorative back 238l, a
center standard assembly 430l with a mounting foot 431l and a
right-hand standard assembly 400l. The right-hand standard assembly
400l may include a left-hand landing bracket 405l, an end cover
113l, a horizontal structural member 402l, a first mounting foot
403l and a second mounting foot 404l.
Turning now to FIG. 2A, a front perspective view of an example
modular chair back assembly 235a is depicted. The modular chair
back assembly 235a may be similar to either of the chair back
assemblies 136d or 170d FIG. 1D. Generally, the modular chair back
assembly 235a may be constructed similar to the chair back assembly
as described in commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No.
61/868,547, filed Aug. 21, 2013, the entire disclosure of which is
incorporated by reference herein. The modular chair back assembly
235a may include a back cushion 236a, a chair back structural
member 237a and a decorative chair back panel 238a. The decorative
chair back panel 238a may be fixed to the chair back structural
member 237a via a first back fastener 239a and a second back
fastener 240a. The modular chair back assembly 235a may further
include a right-hand back bracket 705a and a left-hand back bracket
605a. While the right-hand back bracket 705a is depicted in FIG. 2A
on a right side of the modular chair back assembly 235a and the
left-hand back bracket 605a is depicted in FIG. 2A on a left side
of the modular chair back assembly 235a, the right-hand back
bracket 705a and the left-hand back bracket 605a may be non-handed
(i.e., the right-hand back bracket 705a and the left-hand back
bracket 605a may be the same as one another). The modular chair
back assembly 235b may include a fabric cover (not shown in FIG.
2B) that at least substantially encapsulates the back cushion 236a
and the chair back structural member 237a, and secure the back
cushion 236a in a desired position relative the chair back
structural member 237a. The chair back structural member 237a may
provide chair rigidity and support for a chair occupant.
FIG. 2B depicts a rear perspective view of an example modular chair
back assembly 235b. The modular chair back assembly 235b may be
similar to the modular chair back assembly 235a of FIG. 2A. In
particular, the modular chair back assembly 235b may include a back
cushion 236b, a decorative chair back panel 238a, a left-hand back
bracket 605b and a right-hand back bracket 705b.
Turning to FIG. 2C, an exploded, front perspective view of an
example chair back assembly 235c is depicted. The modular chair
back assembly 235c may be similar to the modular chair back
assembly 235a of FIG. 2A. The modular chair back assembly 235c may
include a back cushion 236c, a chair back structural member 237c
and a chair back decorative panel 238c. The modular chair back
assembly 235c may further include a left-hand back wing 251c, a
left-hand back bracket 605c, a right-hand back wing 255c and a
right-hand back bracket 705c. The left-hand back wing 251c may be
fixed to the left-hand back bracket 605c via a first fastener (not
shown in FIG. 2C) extending through a first left-hand back wing
hole 256c and a first left-hand back bracket hole 606c and a second
fastener (not shown in FIG. 2C) extending through a second
left-hand back wing hole 257c and a second left-hand back bracket
hole 607c. The left-hand back wing 251c may be fixed to the chair
back structural member 237c via a third fastener 242c extending
through a first chair back structural member hole 248c and a third
left-hand back wing hole (not shown in FIG. 2C), and a fourth
fastener 240c extending through a second chair back structural
member hole 246c and a fourth left-hand back wing hole (not shown
in FIG. 2C). The right-hand back wing 260c may be fixed to the
right-hand back bracket 705c via a fifth fastener (not shown in
FIG. 2C) extending through a first right-hand back wing hole 254c
and a first right-hand back bracket hole 706c and a sixth fastener
(not shown in FIG. 2C) extending through a second right-hand back
wing hole 255c and a second left-hand back bracket hole 707c. The
right-hand back wing 260c may be fixed to the chair back structural
member 237c via a seventh fastener 241c extending through a third
chair back structural member hole 247c and a third right-hand back
wing hole 252c, and an eighth fastener 239c extending through a
fourth chair back structural member hole 245c and a fourth
right-hand back wing hole 253c. The left-hand back bracket 605c may
be placed on either side of the left-hand back wing 251c and/or the
right-hand back bracket 705c may be placed on either side of the
right-hand back wing 260c to adapt the modular chair back assembly
235c to different overall chair widths without the need for any
additional, or different, parts. All of the components and parts
depicted in FIG. 2C may be pre-assembled at a site remote from an
associated rocker chair installation site and the modular chair
back assembly 235c may be delivered to the installation site as
shown in FIGS. 2A-2D.
Turning to FIG. 2D an exploded, rear perspective view of an example
chair back assembly 235d is depicted. The modular chair back
assembly 235d may be similar to the modular chair back assembly
235b of FIG. 2B. The modular chair back assembly 235d may include a
back cushion 236d, a chair back structural member 237d and a chair
back decorative panel 238d. The modular chair back assembly 235d
may further include a left-hand back wing 251d, a left-hand back
bracket 605d, a right-hand back wing 255d and a right-hand back
bracket 705d. The left-hand back wing 251d may be fixed to the
left-hand back bracket 605d via a first fastener (not shown in FIG.
2D) extending through a first left-hand back wing hole (not shown
in FIG. 2D) and a first left-hand back bracket hole 606d and a
second fastener (not shown in FIG. 2D) extending through a second
left-hand back wing hole (not shown in FIG. 2D) and a second
left-hand back bracket hole 607d. The left-hand back wing 251d may
be fixed to the chair back structural member 237d via a third
fastener 242d extending through a first chair back structural
member hole 248d and a third left-hand back wing hole 270d, and a
fourth fastener 240d extending through a second chair back
structural member hole 246d and a fourth left-hand back wing hole
259d. The right-hand back wing 260d may be fixed to the right-hand
back bracket 705d via a fifth fastener (not shown in FIG. 2D)
extending through a first right-hand back wing hole 254d and a
first right-hand back bracket hole 706d and a sixth fastener (not
shown in FIG. 2D) extending through a second right-hand back wing
hole 255d and a second left-hand back bracket hole 707d. The
right-hand back wing 260d may be fixed to the chair back structural
member 237d via a seventh fastener 241d extending through a third
chair back structural member hole 247d and a third right-hand back
wing hole 252d, and an eighth fastener 239d extending through a
fourth chair back structural member hole 245d and a fourth
right-hand back wing hole 253d. The left-hand back bracket 605d may
be placed on either side of the left-hand back wing 251d and/or the
right-hand back bracket 705d may be placed on either side of the
right-hand back wing 260d to adapt the modular chair back assembly
235d to different overall chair widths without the need for any
additional, or different, parts.
Turning to FIG. 3A a front, top, perspective view of an example
modular chair seat assembly 316a is depicted. The modular chair
seat assembly 316a may be similar to either of the modular chair
seat assemblies 116d, 151d of FIG. 1D. Generally, the modular chair
seat assembly 316a may be constructed similar to a chair seat
assembly as described in commonly assigned U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 61/868,547, filed Aug. 21, 2013, the entire disclosure of
which is incorporated by reference herein. The modular chair seat
assembly 316a may include a chair seat cushion 317a, a chair seat
decorative panel 318a and a left-hand seat pivot assembly 800a. The
left-hand seat pivot assembly 800a may include a mounting hole
812a. The modular chair seat assembly 316a may include a fabric
cover (not shown in FIG. 2A) that substantially encapsulates the
chair seat cushion 317a and may secure the chair seat cushion 317a
to a chair seat structural frame (not shown in FIG. 3A). As
reflected in throughout the figures (e.g., FIGS. 4H and 4K), the
pivot assembly (e.g., 800a, 900b, 800h, 900h, 800k) may be
positioned toward a rear portion of the modular chair seat assembly
(e.g., 316a and 316b) to limit associated pinch points.
With reference to FIG. 3B, a front, bottom, perspective view of an
example modular chair seat assembly 316b is depicted. The modular
chair seat assembly 316b may be similar to the modular chair seat
assembly 316a of FIG. 3A. The modular chair seat assembly 316b may
include a chair seat cushion 317b, a seat bottom decorative panel
318b, a left-hand seat pivot assembly 800b and a right-hand seat
pivot assembly 900b. The left-hand seat pivot assembly 800b may
include a seat mounting hole 812b and the right-hand seat pivot
assembly 900b may include a seat mounting hole 912b. The seat
bottom decorative panel 318b may include a first fastener 319b and
a second fastener 320b that may secure the seat bottom decorative
panel 318b to a chair seat structural frame (not shown in FIG.
3B).
Turning to FIG. 3C, a front profile view of an example modular
chair seat assembly 316c is depicted that may reflect an associated
position when an occupant is setting in the corresponding rocker
style chair. The modular chair seat assembly 316c may be similar to
the modular chair seat assembly 316b of FIG. 3B. The modular chair
seat assembly 316c may include a chair seat cushion 317c, a seat
bottom decorative panel 318c, a left-hand seat pivot assembly 800c
and a right-hand seat pivot assembly 900c.
With reference to FIG. 3D a bottom profile view of an example
modular chair seat assembly 316d is depicted. The modular chair
seat assembly 316d may be similar to the modular chair seat
assembly 316c of FIG. 3C. The modular chair seat assembly 316d may
include a chair seat cushion 317d, a seat bottom decorative panel
318d, a left-hand seat pivot assembly 800d and a right-hand seat
pivot assembly 900d. The left-hand seat pivot assembly 800d may
include a seat mounting hole 812d and the right-hand seat pivot
assembly 900d may include a seat mounting hole 912d. The seat
bottom decorative panel 318d may include a first fastener 319d and
a second fastener 320d that may secure the seat bottom decorative
panel 318d to a chair seat structural frame (not shown in FIG.
3D).
Turning to FIG. 3E, a front profile view of an example modular
chair seat assembly 316e is depicted that may reflect an associated
position when no occupant is setting in the corresponding rocker
style chair. The modular chair seat assembly 316e may be similar to
the modular chair seat assembly 316d of FIG. 3D. The modular chair
seat assembly 316e may include a chair seat cushion 317e, a seat
bottom decorative panel 318e, a left-hand seat pivot assembly 800e
and a right-hand seat pivot assembly 900e.
With reference to FIG. 3F, a left-side profile view of an example
modular chair seat assembly 316f is depicted. The modular chair
seat assembly 316f may be similar to the modular chair seat
assembly 316e of FIG. 3E. The modular chair seat assembly 316f may
include a seat chair cushion 317f, a seat bottom decorative panel
318f and a left-hand seat pivot assembly 800f.
Turning to FIG. 3G a top profile view of an example modular chair
seat assembly 316g is depicted. The modular chair seat assembly
316g may be similar to the modular chair seat assembly 316f of FIG.
3F. The modular chair seat assembly 316g may include a chair seat
cushion 317g, a left-hand seat pivot assembly 800g and a right-hand
seat pivot assembly 900g. The left-hand seat pivot assembly 800g
may include a seat mounting hole 812g and the right-hand seat pivot
assembly 900g may include a seat mounting hole 912g.
With reference to FIG. 3H an exploded front, top, perspective view
of an example modular chair seat assembly 316h is depicted. The
modular chair seat assembly 316h may be similar to the modular
chair seat assembly 316a of FIG. 3A. The modular chair seat
assembly 316h may include a chair seat cushion 317h, a chair seat
structural frame assembly 331h, a seat bottom decorative panel
318h, a left-hand seat pivot assembly 800h and a right-hand seat
pivot assembly 900h. The seat bottom decorative panel 318h may
include a first fastener 319h that cooperates with a first seat
structural frame hole (not shown in FIG. 3H), a second fastener
320h that cooperates with a second seat structural frame hole (not
shown in FIG. 3H), a third fastener 321h that cooperates with a
first seat structural frame tong 336h and a fourth fastener 322h
that cooperates with a second seat structural frame tong 337h to
secure the seat bottom decorative panel 318h to the chair seat
structural frame assembly 331h. The chair seat structural frame
assembly 331h may include a plurality of seat support springs 327h
that extend between a plurality of first spring supports 323h and a
plurality of second spring supports 325h. Each of the first spring
supports 323h and each of the second spring supports 325h may
include a rubber spring bushing 324h, 326h that substantially
prevent the seat support springs 327 from making noise when an
occupant sets on the modular chair seat assembly 316h. The modular
chair seat assembly 316h may include a fabric cover (not shown in
FIG. 3H) that substantially encapsulates the chair seat cushion
317h and the chair seat structural frame assembly 331h and may
secure the chair seat cushion 317h proximate the seat structural
frame assembly 331h. The left-hand seat pivot assembly 800h may
include a left-hand seat connector 801h and a chair seat mounting
hole 812h. The right-hand seat pivot assembly 900h may include a
right-hand seat connector 901h and a chair seat mounting hole 912h.
All of the components and parts depicted in FIG. 3H may be
pre-assembled at a site remote from an associated rocker chair
installation site and the modular chair seat assembly 316h may be
delivered to the installation site as shown in FIGS. 3A-3H and
3J.
With reference to FIG. 3J an exploded front, bottom, perspective
view of an example modular chair seat assembly 316j is depicted.
The modular chair seat assembly 316j may be similar to the modular
chair seat assembly 316b of FIG. 3B. The modular chair seat
assembly 316j may include a chair seat cushion 317j, a chair seat
structural frame assembly 331j, a seat bottom decorative panel
318j, a left-hand seat pivot assembly 800j and a right-hand seat
pivot assembly 900j. The seat bottom decorative panel 318j may
include a first fastener 319j that cooperates with a right-hand
seat connector hole 338j, a second fastener 320j that cooperates
with a left-hand seat connector hole 339j, a third fastener (not
shown in FIG. 3J) that cooperates with a first seat structural
frame tong 336j and a fourth fastener (not shown in FIG. 3J) that
cooperates with a second seat structural frame tong 337j to secure
the seat bottom decorative panel 318j to the chair seat structural
frame assembly 331j. The chair seat structural frame assembly 331j
may include a plurality of seat support springs 327j that extend
between a plurality of first spring supports (not shown in FIG. 3J)
and a plurality of second spring supports 325j. The modular chair
seat assembly 316j may include a fabric cover (not shown in FIG.
3J) that substantially encapsulates the chair seat cushion 317j and
the chair seat structural frame assembly 331j and may secure the
chair seat cushion 317j proximate the seat structural frame
assembly 331j. The left-hand seat pivot assembly 800j may include a
left-hand seat connector 801j and a chair seat mounting hole 812j.
The left-hand seat connector 801j may be connected to a left-hand
seat frame structure connector 330j via a first fastener (not shown
in FIG. 3J) extending through a first left-hand seat connector hole
805j and a first left-hand seat frame structure connector 332j and
a second fastener (not shown in FIG. 3J) extending through a second
left-hand seat connector hole (not shown in FIG. 3J) and a second
left-hand seat frame structure connector 333j. The left-hand seat
frame structure connector 330j may include a bumper hole 341j. The
right-hand seat frame structure connector 329j may include a bumper
hole 340j. The right-hand seat pivot assembly 900j may include a
right-hand seat connector 901j and a chair seat mounting hole 912j.
The right-hand seat connector 901j may be connected to a right-hand
seat frame structure connector 329j via a third fastener (not shown
in FIG. 3J) extending through a first right-hand seat connector
hole 905j and a first right-hand seat frame structure connector
334j and a fourth fastener (not shown in FIG. 3J) extending through
a second right-hand seat connector hole (not shown in FIG. 3J) and
a second right-hand seat frame structure connector 335j.
Turning to FIGS. 3K and 3L, a top, front perspective, exploded view
of an example seat assembly 316k is depicted along with a bottom,
front perspective, exploded view 316L. The seat assembly 316k, 316l
may include a seat cushion 317k, 317l, a right-hand seat connector
901k, 901l, a left-hand seat connector 801k, 801l, a seat frame
assembly 331k, 331l and a seat bottom decorative panel 318k, 318l.
The right-hand seat connector 901k, 901l may include a pivot post
900k, 900l, a chair seat mounting hole 912k, 912l and a first seat
bottom decorative panel attachment 960k, 960l. The left-hand seat
connector 801k, 801l may include a pivot post 800k, 800l, a chair
seat mounting hole 812k, 812l and a second seat bottom decorative
panel attachment 860k, 860l. The first seat bottom decorative panel
attachment 960k, 960l may cooperate with a first seat bottom
decorative panel fastener 319k, 319l to secure the seat bottom
decorative panel 318k, 318l to the seat assembly 316k, 316l. The
second seat bottom decorative panel attachment 860k, 860l may
cooperate with a second seat bottom decorative panel fastener 320k,
320l to further secure the seat bottom decorative panel 318k, 318l
to the seat assembly 316k, 316l. The seat frame assembly 331k, 331l
may include a first seat frame assembly attachment 336k, 336l that
may cooperate with a first seat bottom decorative panel attachment
321k to secure the seat bottom decorative panel 318k, 318l to the
seat frame assembly 331k, 331l. The seat frame assembly 331k, 331l
may include a second seat frame assembly attachment 337k, 3371 that
may cooperate with a second seat bottom decorative panel attachment
322k to further secure the seat bottom decorative panel 318k, 318l
to the seat frame assembly 331k, 331l. The seat bottom decorative
panel 318k, 318l may include a first pivot post 350k on a first
sidewall 351k of the seat bottom decorative panel 318k, 318l and a
second pivot post 355k on a second sidewall of the seat bottom
decorative panel 318k, 318l configured to interact with attachments
336k, 336l, 337k, 3371, 321k, 322k and fasteners 960k, 960l, 860k,
860l, 319k, 319l, 320k, 320l. The pivot posts 350k, 355k may be
attached to sidewall 351k of seat bottom decorative panel 318k,
318l which may also incorporate side-to-side locators configured to
align the seat bottom decorative panel 318k, 318l with the seat
bottom assembly 316k, 316l. The pivot post 355k may be located a
first distance 356k from the second seat bottom decorative panel
attachment 322k and a second distance 357k from the seat bottom
decorative panel fastener 320k. The second distance 357k may be
greater than the first distance 356k. Alternatively, the second
distance 357k may be greater than or equal to twice the first
distance 356k. In any event, the second distance 357k and the first
distance 356k may be selected such that when the seat bottom
decorative panel fastener 320k is tightened, the second seat bottom
decorative panel attachment 322k is biased against the second seat
frame assembly attachment 337k. The pivot post 350k may be
similarly positioned with respect to the first seat bottom
decorative panel attachment 321k and the seat bottom decorative
panel attachment 319k. Thereby, the seat bottom decorative panel
318k may be firmly secured to the seat frame assembly 331k.
Turning to FIG. 4A, a front, top, perspective view of example
modular standard assemblies 400a is depicted. The right-side
modular standard assembly 400a of FIG. 4A may be similar to the
right-side modular standard assembly 400d of FIG. 1D. The center
modular standard assembly 430a of FIG. 4A may be similar to the
center modular standard assembly 430d of FIG. 1D. The left-side
modular standard assembly 460a of FIG. 4A may be similar to the
left-side modular standard assembly 460d of FIG. 1D. The right-side
modular standard assembly 400a may include a horizontal structural
member 402a, a first mounting foot 403a, a second mounting foot
404a, a left-hand landing bracket 405a and a right-hand landing
bracket 406a. The right-side modular standard assembly 400a may
also include an arm rest and cup holder (not shown in FIG. 4A), an
arm rest attachment 412a, an arm rest support 417a, an arm rest
pivot ring 418a and an end cap 419a. The right-side modular
standard assembly 400a may further include a right-hand seat
bracket 715a and a spring assembly (not shown in FIG. 4A). For
illustrative purposes, a right-hand seat pivot assembly 900a having
a right-hand seat connector 901a is depicted proximate the
right-side modular standard assembly 400a (i.e., as described with
regard to FIG. 3H, the right-hand seat pivot assembly 900a may be
incorporated within a modular chair seat assembly 316h). For
further illustration, a right-hand back bracket 705a and a
right-hand chair back wing 250a are depicted proximate the
right-side modular standard assembly 400a (i.e., as described with
reference to FIG. 2C, the right-hand back bracket 705a and the
right-hand chair back wing 250a may be incorporated within a
modular chair back assembly 235c).
With further reference to FIG. 4A, the center modular standard
assembly 430a may include a mounting foot 431a, a left-hand landing
bracket 432a and a right-hand landing bracket 433a. The center
modular standard assembly 430a may also include an arm rest and cup
holder (not shown in FIG. 4A), an arm rest attachment 412a, an arm
rest pivot ring 418a and an end cap 419a. The center modular
standard assembly 430a may further include a left-hand seat bracket
615a, a right-hand seat bracket 715a, a first spring assembly 1000a
and a second spring assembly 1000a. For illustrative purposes, a
left-hand seat pivot assembly 800a having a left-hand seat
connector 801a and a right-hand seat pivot assembly 900a having a
right-hand seat connector 901a are depicted proximate the center
modular standard assembly 430a (i.e., as described with regard to
FIG. 3H, the left-hand seat pivot assembly 800a and the right-hand
seat pivot assembly 900a may be incorporated within a modular chair
seat assembly 316h). For further illustration, a left-hand back
bracket 605a, a right-hand back bracket 705a and a right-hand chair
back wing 250a having a first back wing fastener hole 252a and a
second back wing fastener hole 253a are depicted proximate the
center modular standard assembly 430a (i.e., as described with
reference to FIG. 2C, the left-hand back bracket 605a, the
right-hand back bracket 705a and the right-hand chair back wing
250a may be incorporated within a modular chair back assembly
235c).
With yet further reference to FIG. 4A, the left-side modular
standard assembly 460a may include a horizontal structural member
461a, a first mounting foot 462a, a second mounting foot 463a, a
left-hand landing bracket 464a and a right-hand landing bracket
465a. The left-side modular standard assembly 460a may also include
an arm rest and cup holder (not shown in FIG. 4A), an arm rest
attachment 412a, an arm rest pivot ring 418a and an end cap 419a.
The left-side modular standard assembly 460a may further include a
left-hand seat bracket 615a and a spring assembly 1000a. For
illustrative purposes, a left-hand seat pivot assembly 800a having
a left-hand seat connector 801a is depicted proximate the left-side
modular standard assembly 460a (i.e., as described with regard to
FIG. 3H, the left-hand seat pivot assembly 800a may be incorporated
within a modular chair seat assembly 316h). For further
illustration, a left-hand back bracket 605a is depicted proximate
the left-side modular standard assembly 460a (i.e., as described
with reference to FIG. 2C, the left-hand back bracket 605a may be
incorporated within a modular chair back assembly 235c).
The left-hand landing brackets 405a, 432a, 464a may be the same as
one another. Furthermore, each left-hand landing bracket 405a,
432a, 464a may be stamped out of a substantially flat sheet of
metal with the various surfaces being formed at substantially a
right-angle with respect to adjoining surfaces. The right-hand
landing brackets 406a, 433a, 465a may be the same as one another.
Furthermore, each right-hand landing bracket 406a, 433a, 465a may
be stamped out of a substantially flat sheet of metal with the
various surfaces being formed at substantially a right-angle with
respect to adjoining surfaces. The holes within the landing
brackets 405a, 406a, 432a, 433a, 464a, 465a may be drilled in the
associated substantially flat sheet of metal prior to the
individual surfaces being bent. As can be seen in FIG. 4A, there is
a substantially open area between the left-hand landing bracket
432a and the right-hand landing bracket 433a, a substantially open
area between the left-hand landing bracket 432a and the seat
connector 801a and a substantially open area between the right-hand
landing bracket 433a and the seat connector 901a. These
substantially open areas minimize debris buildup in, and around,
the corresponding spring assemblies 1000a and chair seat pivots
800a, 900a.
Turning to FIG. 4B, a rear, profile view of example modular
standard assemblies 400b is depicted. The modular standard
assemblies 400b may be similar to the modular standard assemblies
400a of FIG. 4A. The right-side modular standard assembly 400b may
include a first mounting foot 403b and a second mounting foot 404b.
The right-side modular standard assembly 400b may also include an
arm rest and cup holder (not shown in FIG. 4B), an arm rest
attachment 412b, a right-hand arm rest pivot mount 411b and a
left-hand arm rest pivot mount 415b. The right-side modular
standard assembly 400b may further include a right-hand seat
bracket (not individually identified in FIG. 4B). For illustrative
purposes, a right-hand seat pivot assembly 900b having a right-hand
seat connector 901b is depicted proximate the right-side modular
standard assembly 400b (i.e., as described with regard to FIG. 3H,
the right-hand seat pivot assembly 900b may be incorporated within
a modular chair seat assembly 316h). For further illustration, a
right-hand back bracket (not individually identified in FIG. 4B)
and a right-hand chair back wing 250b are depicted proximate the
right-side modular standard assembly 400b (i.e., as described with
reference to FIG. 2C, the right-hand back bracket (not individually
identified in FIG. 4B) and the right-hand chair back wing 250b may
be incorporated within a modular chair back assembly 235c).
With further reference to FIG. 4B, the center modular standard
assembly 430b may include a mounting foot 431b. The center modular
standard assembly 430b may also include an arm rest and cup holder
(not shown in FIG. 4B), an arm rest attachment 412b, a right-hand
arm rest pivot mount 411b and a left-hand arm rest pivot mount
415b. The center modular standard assembly 430b may further include
a left-hand seat bracket (not individually identified in FIG. 4B),
a right-hand seat bracket (not individually identified in FIG. 4B),
a first spring assembly 1000b and a second spring assembly 1000b.
For illustrative purposes, a left-hand seat pivot assembly 800b
having a left-hand seat connector 801b and a right-hand seat pivot
assembly 900b having a right-hand seat connector 901b are depicted
proximate the center modular standard assembly 430b (i.e., as
described with regard to FIG. 3H, the left-hand seat pivot assembly
800b and the right-hand seat pivot assembly 900b may be
incorporated within a modular chair seat assembly 316h). For
further illustration, a left-hand back bracket (not individually
identified in FIG. 4B), a right-hand back bracket (not individually
identified in FIG. 4B) and a right-hand chair back wing 250b and a
left-hand chair back wing 251b are depicted proximate the center
modular standard assembly 430b (i.e., as described with reference
to FIG. 2C, the left-hand back bracket (not individually identified
in FIG. 4B), the right-hand back bracket (not individually
identified in FIG. 4B), the right-hand chair back wing 250b and the
left-hand chair back wing 251b may be incorporated within a modular
chair back assembly 235c).
With yet further reference to FIG. 4B, the left-side modular
standard assembly 460b may include a first mounting foot 462b, a
second mounting foot 463b, a left-hand landing bracket (not
individually identified in FIG. 4B) and a right-hand landing
bracket (not individually identified in FIG. 4B). The left-side
modular standard assembly 460b may also include an arm rest and cup
holder (not shown in FIG. 4B), an arm rest attachment 412b, a
right-hand arm rest pivot mount 411b and a left-hand arm rest pivot
mount 415b. The left-side modular standard assembly 460b may
further include a left-hand seat bracket (not individually
identified in FIG. 4B). For illustrative purposes, a left-hand seat
pivot assembly 800b having a left-hand seat connector 801b is
depicted proximate the left-side modular standard assembly 460b
(i.e., as described with regard to FIG. 3H, the left-hand seat
pivot assembly 800b may be incorporated within a modular chair seat
assembly 316h). For further illustration, the left-hand back
bracket 605b is depicted proximate the left-side modular standard
assembly 460b (i.e., as described with reference to FIG. 2C, the
left-hand back bracket 605b may be incorporated within a modular
chair back assembly 235c).
Turning to FIG. 4C a bottom, profile view of example modular
standard assemblies 400c is depicted. The module standard
assemblies 400c may be similar to the modular standard assemblies
400b of FIG. 4B. The right-side modular standard assembly 400c may
include a horizontal structural member 402c, a second mounting foot
404c, a left-hand landing bracket 405c and a right-hand landing
bracket 406c. The right-side modular standard assembly 400c may
also include an arm rest and cup holder (not shown in FIG. 4C, a
first arm rest support 409c and a second arm rest support 417c. The
right-side modular standard assembly 400c may further include a
right-hand seat bracket (not individually identified in FIG. 4C)
and a spring assembly (not shown in FIG. 4C). For illustrative
purposes, a right-hand seat pivot assembly 900c having a right-hand
seat connector 901c is depicted proximate the right-side modular
standard assembly 400c (i.e., as described with regard to FIG. 3H,
the right-hand seat pivot assembly 900c may be incorporated within
a modular chair seat assembly 316h). For further illustration, the
right-hand back bracket 705c and the right-hand chair back wing
250c are depicted proximate the right-side modular standard
assembly 400c (i.e., as described with reference to FIG. 2C, the
right-hand back bracket 705c and the right-hand chair back wing
250c may be incorporated within a modular chair back assembly
235c).
With further reference to FIG. 4C, the center modular standard
assembly 430c may include a mounting foot 431c, a left-hand landing
bracket 432c and a right-hand landing bracket 433c. The center
modular standard assembly 430c may also include an arm rest and cup
holder (not shown in FIG. 4C). The center modular standard assembly
430c may further include a left-hand seat bracket (not individually
identified in FIG. 4C) and a right-hand seat bracket (not
individually identified in FIG. 4C). For illustrative purposes, a
left-hand seat pivot assembly 800c having a left-hand seat
connector 801c and a right-hand seat pivot assembly 900c having a
right-hand seat connector 901c are depicted proximate the center
modular standard assembly 430c (i.e., as described with regard to
FIG. 3H, the left-hand seat pivot assembly 800c and the right-hand
seat pivot assembly 900c may be incorporated within a modular chair
seat assembly 316h). For further illustration, a left-hand back
bracket (not individually identified in FIG. 4C), a right-hand back
bracket (not individually identified in FIG. 4C), a left-hand chair
back wing 251c and a right-hand chair back wing 250c are depicted
proximate the center modular standard assembly 430c (i.e., as
described with reference to FIG. 2C, the left-hand back bracket
(not individually identified in FIG. 4C), the right-hand back
bracket (not individually identified in FIG. 4C), the left-hand
chair back wing 251c and the right-hand chair back wing 250c may be
incorporated within a modular chair back assembly 235c).
With yet further reference to FIG. 4C, the left-side modular
standard assembly 460c may include a horizontal structural member
461c, a second mounting foot 463c, a left-hand landing bracket 464c
and a right-hand landing bracket 465c. The left-side modular
standard assembly 460c may also include an arm rest and cup holder
(not shown in FIG. 4C), a first arm rest support 409c and a second
arm rest support 417c. The left-side modular standard assembly 460c
may further include a left-hand seat bracket (not individually
identified in FIG. 4C). For illustrative purposes, a left-hand seat
pivot assembly 800c having a left-hand seat connector 801c is
depicted proximate the left-side modular standard assembly 460c
(i.e., as described with regard to FIG. 3H, the left-hand seat
pivot assembly 800c may be incorporated within a modular chair seat
assembly 316h). For further illustration, a left-hand back bracket
605c and a left-hand chair back wing 251c are depicted proximate
the left-side modular standard assembly 460c (i.e., as described
with reference to FIG. 2C, the left-hand back bracket 605c and the
left-hand chair back wing 251c may be incorporated within a modular
chair back assembly 235c).
Turning to FIG. 4D, a front, profile view of example modular
standard assemblies 400d is depicted. The modular standard
assemblies 400d may be similar to the modular standard assemblies
400c of FIG. 3C. The right-side modular standard assembly 400d may
include a first mounting foot 403d, a second mounting foot 404d, a
left-hand landing bracket 405d and a right-hand landing bracket
406d. The right-side modular standard assembly 400d may also
include an arm rest and cup holder (not shown in FIG. 4D), an arm
rest attachment 412d, a right-hand arm rest pivot mount 411d and a
left-hand arm rest pivot mount 415d. The right-side modular
standard assembly 400d may further include a right-hand seat
bracket (not individually identified in FIG. 4D) and a spring
assembly 1000d. For illustrative purposes, a right-hand seat pivot
assembly 900d having a right-hand seat connector 901d is depicted
proximate the right-side modular standard assembly 400d (i.e., as
described with regard to FIG. 3H, the right-hand seat pivot
assembly 900d may be incorporated within a modular chair seat
assembly 316h). For further illustration, a right-hand back bracket
705d and a right-hand chair back wing 250d are depicted proximate
the right-side modular standard assembly 400d (i.e., as described
with reference to FIG. 2C, the right-hand back bracket 705d and the
right-hand chair back wing 250d may be incorporated within a
modular chair back assembly 235c).
With further reference to FIG. 4D, the center modular standard
assembly 430d may include a mounting foot 431d, a left-hand landing
bracket 432d and a right-hand landing bracket 433d. The center
modular standard assembly 430d may also include an arm rest and cup
holder (not shown in FIG. 4D), an arm rest attachment 412d, a
right-hand arm rest pivot mount 411d and a left-hand arm rest pivot
mount 415d. The center modular standard assembly 430d may further
include a left-hand seat bracket (not individually identified in
FIG. 4D), a right-hand seat bracket (not individually identified in
FIG. 4D), a first spring assembly 1000d and a second spring
assembly 1000d. For illustrative purposes, a left-hand seat pivot
assembly 800d having a left-hand seat connector 801d and a
right-hand seat pivot assembly 900d having a right-hand seat
connector 901d are depicted proximate the center modular standard
assembly 430d (i.e., as described with regard to FIG. 3H, the
left-hand seat pivot assembly 800d and the right-hand seat pivot
assembly 900d may be incorporated within a modular chair seat
assembly 316h). For further illustration, a left-hand back bracket
605d, a left-hand chair back wing 251d, a right-hand back bracket
705d and a right-hand chair back wing 250d are depicted proximate
the center modular standard assembly 430d (i.e., as described with
reference to FIG. 2C, the left-hand back bracket 605d, the
left-hand chair back wing 251d, the right-hand back bracket 705d
and the right-hand chair back wing 250d may be incorporated within
a modular chair back assembly 235c).
With yet further reference to FIG. 4D, the left-side modular
standard assembly 460d may include a first mounting foot 462d, a
second mounting foot 463d, a left-hand landing bracket 464d and a
right-hand landing bracket 465d. The left-side modular standard
assembly 460d may also include an arm rest and cup holder (not
shown in FIG. 4D), an arm rest attachment 412d, a right-hand arm
rest pivot mount 411d and a left-hand arm rest pivot mount 415d.
The left-side modular standard assembly 460d may further include a
left-hand seat bracket (not individually identified in FIG. 4D) and
a spring assembly 1000d. For illustrative purposes, a left-hand
seat pivot assembly 800d having a left-hand seat connector 801d is
depicted proximate the left-side modular standard assembly 460d
(i.e., as described with regard to FIG. 3H, the left-hand seat
pivot assembly 800d may be incorporated within a modular chair seat
assembly 316h). For further illustration, a left-hand back bracket
605d and a left-hand chair back wing 251d are depicted proximate
the left-side modular standard assembly 460d (i.e., as described
with reference to FIG. 2C, the left-hand back bracket 605d and the
left-hand chair back wing 251d may be incorporated within a modular
chair back assembly 235c).
Turning to FIG. 4E, a top, profile view of example modular standard
assemblies 400e is depicted. The modular standard assemblies 400e
may be similar to the modular standard assemblies 400d of FIG. 4D.
The right-side modular standard assembly 400e may include a
horizontal structural member 402e and a first mounting foot 403e.
The right-side modular standard assembly 400e may also include an
arm rest and cup holder (not shown in FIG. 4E) and an arm rest
attachment 412e. The right-side modular standard assembly 400e may
further include a right-hand seat bracket 715e. For illustrative
purposes, a right-hand seat pivot assembly 900e having a right-hand
seat connector 901e is depicted proximate the right-side modular
standard assembly 400e (i.e., as described with regard to FIG. 3H,
the right-hand seat pivot assembly 900e may be incorporated within
a modular chair seat assembly 316h). For further illustration, a
right-hand back bracket 705e and a right-hand chair back wing 250e
with a first back wing fastening hole 252e and a second back wing
fastening hole 253e are depicted proximate the right-side modular
standard assembly 400e (i.e., as described with reference to FIG.
2C, the right-hand back bracket 705e and the right-hand chair back
wing 250e may be incorporated within a modular chair back assembly
235c).
With further reference to FIG. 4E, the center modular standard
assembly 430e may include an arm rest and cup holder (not shown in
FIG. 4E) and an arm rest attachment 412b. The center modular
standard assembly 430d may further include a left-hand seat bracket
615e and a right-hand seat bracket 715e. For illustrative purposes,
a left-hand seat pivot assembly 800e having a left-hand seat
connector 801e and a right-hand seat pivot assembly 900e having a
right-hand seat connector 901e are depicted proximate the center
modular standard assembly 430e (i.e., as described with regard to
FIG. 3H, the left-hand seat pivot assembly 800e and the right-hand
seat pivot assembly 900e may be incorporated within a modular chair
seat assembly 316h). For further illustration, a left-hand back
bracket 605e, a right-hand back bracket 705e, a right-hand chair
back wing 250e with a first back wing fastening hole 252e and a
second back wing fastening hole 253e and a left-hand chair back
wing 251b with a first back wing fastening hole 259e and a second
back wing fastening hole 260e are depicted proximate the center
modular standard assembly 430e (i.e., as described with reference
to FIG. 2C, the left-hand back bracket 605e, the right-hand back
bracket 705e, the right-hand chair back wing 250e and the left-hand
chair back wing 251e may be incorporated within a modular chair
back assembly 235c).
With yet further reference to FIG. 4E, the left-side modular
standard assembly 460e may include a first mounting foot 462e, an
arm rest and cup holder (not shown in FIG. 4E) and an arm rest
attachment 412e. The left-side modular standard assembly 460e may
further include a left-hand back bracket 605e and a left-hand seat
bracket 615e. For illustrative purposes, a left-hand seat pivot
assembly 800e having a left-hand seat connector 801e is depicted
proximate the left-side modular standard assembly 460e (i.e., as
described with regard to FIG. 3H, the left-hand seat pivot assembly
800e may be incorporated within a modular chair seat assembly
316h). For further illustration, the left-hand back bracket 605e
and the left-hand chair back wing 251e with a first back wing
fastening hole 259e and a second back wing fastening hole 260e
depicted proximate the left-side modular standard assembly 460e
(i.e., as described with reference to FIG. 2C, the left-hand back
bracket 605e and the left-hand chair back wing 251e may be
incorporated within a modular chair back assembly 235c).
Turning to FIG. 4F, a front, top, perspective view of an example
modular right-side standard assembly 400f is depicted. The modular
right-side standard assembly 400f may be similar to the modular
right-side standard assembly 400a of FIG. 4A. The right-side
modular standard assembly 400f may include a vertical structural
member 401f, a horizontal structural member 402f, a first mounting
foot 403f and a second mounting foot 404f. The right-side modular
standard assembly 400f may also include an arm rest and cup holder
(not shown in FIG. 4F), an arm rest attachment 412f, an arm rest
support 417f, a left-hand arm rest pivot mount 411f, a right-hand
arm rest pivot mount 415f, an arm rest pivot ring 418f and an arm
rest end cap 415f. The right-side modular standard assembly 400f
may further include a left-hand landing bracket 405f, a right-hand
landing bracket 406f, a spring assembly 1000f and a right-hand seat
bracket 715f. The spring assembly 1000f may include a first
fastener 1019f and a second fastener (not shown in FIG. 4F) that
may attach the right-hand seat bracket 715f to the spring assembly
1000f. The spring assembly 1000f may further include a third
fastener 1020f and a fourth fastener 1022f that may attach the
spring assembly 1000f to the right-hand landing bracket 406f. While
not shown in FIG. 4F, the modular right-hand standard 400f may
further include a debris cover 196f, an end cover 113f and a host
of fasteners for securing the various components and assemblies to
one another. For illustrative purposes, a right-hand back bracket
705f is depicted proximate the right-side modular standard assembly
400f (i.e., as described with reference to FIG. 2C, the right-hand
back bracket 705f may be incorporated within a modular chair back
assembly 235c).
With reference to FIG. 4G, a front, top, exploded, perspective view
of an example right-side modular standard 400g is depicted. The
right-side modular standard 400g may be similar to the modular
right-side standard 400f of FIG. 4F. The right-side modular
standard assembly 400g may include a vertical structural member
401g, a horizontal structural member 402g, a first mounting foot
403g and a second mounting foot 404g. The right-side modular
standard assembly 400g may also include an arm rest and cup holder
(not shown in FIG. 4G), a left-hand arm rest pivot end cap 407g, a
left-hand arm rest pivot ring 408g, a left-hand arm rest pivot
support 409g, a left-hand arm rest pivot plate 410g, a left-hand
arm rest pivot mount 411g, an arm rest attachment 412g, an arm rest
pivot spacer 413g, an arm rest pivot shim 414g, a right-hand arm
rest pivot mount 415g, a right-hand arm pivot plate 416g, a
right-hand arm rest pivot support 417g, a right-hand arm rest pivot
ring 418g and a right-hand arm rest pivot end cap 419g. The
right-hand arm rest pivot plate 416g may include a first post 423g
that may extend through a first right-hand arm rest support hole
425g, and a second post 424g that may extend through a second
right-hand arm rest support hole 426g that may align the right-hand
arm rest pivot plate 416g with the right-hand arm rest support
417g. The right-side modular standard assembly 400g may further
include a left-hand landing bracket 405g, a right-hand landing
bracket 406g, a spring assembly 1000g and a right-hand seat bracket
715g. The spring assembly 1000g may include a first fastener 1019g
that extends through a first right-hand seat bracket hole 717g and
a second fastener 1020g that extends through a second right-hand
seat bracket hole (not shown in FIG. 4G), and that may attach the
right-hand seat bracket 715g to the spring assembly 1000g. The
spring assembly 1000g may further include a third fastener 1020g
that may extend through a first right-hand landing bracket hole
422g and a fourth fastener 1022g that may extend through a second
right-hand landing bracket hole 421g, and that may attach the
spring assembly 1000g to the right-hand landing bracket 406g. While
not shown in FIG. 4G, the modular right-hand standard 400g may
further include a debris cover 196g, an end cover 113g and a host
of fasteners that may secure the various components and assemblies
to one another. For illustrative purposes, a right-hand back
bracket 705g is depicted proximate the right-side modular standard
assembly 400g (i.e., as described with reference to FIG. 2C, the
right-hand back bracket 705g may be incorporated within a modular
chair back assembly 235c). The right-hand chair back bracket 705g
may be secured to the right-hand chair seat bracket 715g via a
fastener (not shown in FIG. 4G) extending through the hole 710g and
the opening 713g.
Turning to FIG. 4H, a front, top, perspective view of an example
center modular standard assembly 430h is depicted. The center
modular standard assembly 430h may be similar to the center modular
standard assembly 430a of FIG. 4A. The center modular standard
assembly 430h may include a vertical structural member 434h and a
mounting foot 431h. The center modular standard assembly 430h may
also include an arm rest and cup holder (not shown in FIG. 4H), an
arm rest attachment 412h, a left-hand arm rest pivot mount 411h, a
right-hand arm rest pivot mount 415h, a right-hand arm rest pivot
ring 418h and a right-hand arm rest pivot end cap 419h. The center
modular standard assembly 430h may further include a left-hand
landing bracket 432h, a right-hand landing bracket 433h, a
left-hand seat bracket 615h, a right-hand seat bracket 715h, a
first spring assembly 1000h with a first fastener 1019h and a
second spring assembly 1000h. While not shown in FIG. 4H, center
modular standard assembly 430h may also include a debris cover and
a host of fasteners for securing the various components and
assemblies to one another. For illustrative purposes, a left-hand
seat pivot assembly 800h having a left-hand seat connector 801h and
a left-hand seat pivot assembly mounting hole 812h, and a
right-hand seat pivot assembly 900h having a right-hand seat
connector 901h are depicted proximate the center modular standard
assembly 430h (i.e., as described with regard to FIG. 3H, the
left-hand seat pivot assembly 800h and the right-hand seat pivot
assembly 900h may be incorporated within a modular chair seat
assembly 316h). For further illustration, a left-hand back bracket
605h, a right-hand back bracket 705h, a right-hand chair back wing
250h with a first back wing fastening hole 252h and a second back
wing fastening hole 253h, and a left-hand chair back wing 251h are
depicted proximate the center modular standard assembly 430h (i.e.,
as described with reference to FIG. 2C, the left-hand back bracket
605h, the right-hand back bracket 705h, the right-hand chair back
wing 250h and the left-hand chair back wing 251h may be
incorporated within a modular chair back assembly 235c).
With reference to FIG. 4J, a front, top, exploded, perspective view
of an example center modular standard assembly 430j is depicted.
The center modular standard assembly 430j may be similar to the
center modular standard assembly 430h of FIG. 4H. The center
modular standard assembly 430j may include a vertical structural
member 434j and a mounting foot 431j. The mounting foot 431j may
include a plurality of mounting holes 429j, for receiving
respective fasteners (not shown in FIG. 4J) for securing the center
modular standard assembly 430j within an installation, and an
opening 435j for receiving the vertical structural member 434j. The
center modular standard assembly 430h may also include an arm rest
and cup holder (not shown in FIG. 4J), a left-hand arm rest pivot
end cap 407j, a left-hand arm rest pivot ring 408j, a left-hand arm
rest pivot support 409j, a left-hand arm rest pivot plate 410j, a
left-hand arm rest pivot mount 411j, an arm rest attachment 412j,
an arm rest pivot spacer 413j, an arm rest pivot shim 414j, a
right-hand arm rest pivot mount 415j, a right-hand arm pivot plate
416j, a right-hand arm rest pivot support 417j, a right-hand arm
rest pivot ring 418j and a right-hand arm rest pivot end cap 419j.
The center modular standard assembly 430j may further include a
left-hand landing bracket 432j, a right-hand landing bracket 433j,
a left-hand seat bracket 615j, a right-hand seat bracket 715j, a
first spring assembly 1000j with a first fastener 1019j and a
second spring assembly 1000j. The left-hand landing bracket 405j
may include a first hole 427j and a second hole 436j that may
receive a fastener (not shown in FIG. 4J) for fastening the
left-hand landing bracket 405j to the vertical structural member
434j. The left-hand landing bracket 405j may also include a third
hole 428j for receiving a fastener (not shown in FIG. 4J) for
fastening a debris cover (not shown in FIG. 4J) to the left-hand
landing bracket 405j. The left-hand seat bracket 615j may include a
seat mounting bolt hole 614j. The right-hand landing bracket 406j
may include a first hole 422j and a second hole 423j that may
receive a fastener (not shown in FIG. 4J) for fastening the
right-hand landing bracket 406j to the vertical structural member
434j. The right-hand landing bracket 406j may also include a third
hole 424j for receiving a fastener (not shown in FIG. 4J) for
fastening a debris cover (not shown in FIG. 4J) to the right-hand
landing bracket 406j. The right-hand seat bracket 715j may include
a seat mounting bolt hole 714j. The first spring assembly 1000j may
include a first fastener 1019j that extends through a first
left-hand seat bracket hole 617j and a second fastener 1020j that
extends through a second left-hand seat bracket hole 616j, and that
may attach the left-hand seat bracket 715j to the first spring
assembly 1000j. The first spring assembly 1000j may further include
a third fastener 1020j that may extend through a first left-hand
landing bracket hole 425j and a fourth fastener 1022j that may
extend through a second left-hand landing bracket hole 426j, and
that may attach the first spring assembly 1000j to the left-hand
landing bracket 406j. The second spring assembly 1000j may include
a first fastener 1019j that extends through a first right-hand seat
bracket hole 717j and a second fastener 1020j that extends through
a second right-hand seat bracket hole 716j, and that may attach the
right-hand seat bracket 715j to the second spring assembly 1000j.
The second spring assembly 1000j may further include a third
fastener 1020j that may extend through a first right-hand landing
bracket hole 420j and a fourth fastener 1022j that may extend
through a second right-hand landing bracket hole 421j, and that may
attach the second spring assembly 1000j to the right-hand landing
bracket 406j. While not shown in FIG. 4J, center modular standard
assembly 430j may also include a debris cover 196j and a host of
fasteners for securing the various components and assemblies to one
another. For illustrative purposes, a left-hand back bracket 605j
and a right-hand back bracket 705j are depicted proximate the
center modular standard assembly 430j (i.e., as described with
reference to FIG. 2C, the left-hand back bracket 605j and the
right-hand back bracket 705j may be incorporated within a modular
chair back assembly 235c). The right-hand chair back bracket 705j
may be secured to the right-hand chair seat bracket 715j via a
fastener (not shown in FIG. 4J) extending through the hole 710j and
the opening 713j, and with the right-hand chair seat bracket
alignment tab 712j received within the right-hand chair back
bracket pocket 709j.
Turning to FIG. 4K, a front, top, perspective view of an example
modular left-side standard assembly 460k is depicted. The modular
left-side standard assembly 460k may be similar to the modular
left-side standard assembly 460a of FIG. 4A. The left-side modular
standard assembly 460k may include a vertical structural member
466k, a horizontal structural member 461k, a first mounting foot
462k, a second mounting foot 463k, a left-hand landing bracket 464k
and a right-hand landing bracket 465k. The left-side modular
standard assembly 460k may also include an arm rest and cup holder
(not shown in FIG. 4K), an arm rest attachment 412k, a right-hand
arm rest pivot mount 415k, a right-hand arm rest pivot ring 418k
and a right-hand arm rest pivot end cap 419k. The left-side modular
standard assembly 460k may further include a left-hand seat bracket
615k and a spring assembly 1000k with a first spring fastener 1019k
extending through a first left-hand seat bracket hole (not
individually identified in FIG. 4K), and a second spring fastener
1020k extending through a second left-hand seat bracket hole (not
individually identified in FIG. 4K). For illustrative purposes, a
left-hand seat pivot assembly 800k having a left-hand seat
connector 801k is depicted proximate the left-side modular standard
assembly 460k (i.e., as described with reference to FIG. 3H, the
left-hand seat pivot assembly 800k may be incorporated within a
modular chair seat assembly 316H). For further illustration, a
left-hand back bracket 605k and a left-hand chair back wing 251k
are depicted proximate the left-side modular standard assembly 460k
(i.e., as described with reference to FIG. 2C, the left-hand back
bracket 605k and the left-hand chair back wing 251k may be
incorporated within a modular chair back assembly 235c).
With reference to FIG. 4L, a front, top, exploded, perspective view
of an example modular left-side standard assembly 460l is depicted.
The modular left-side standard assembly 460l may be similar to the
modular left-side standard assembly 460l of FIG. 4L. The left-side
modular standard assembly 460l may include a vertical structural
member 466l, a horizontal structural member 461l, a first mounting
foot 462l, a second mounting foot 463l, a left-hand landing bracket
464l and a right-hand landing bracket 465l. The left-hand landing
bracket 464l may include a first hole 468l and a second hole 469l
that may receive a fastener (not shown in FIG. 4L) for fastening
the left-hand landing bracket 464l to the vertical structural
member 466l. The left-hand landing bracket 464l may also include a
third hole 474l for receiving a fastener (not shown in FIG. 4L) for
fastening a debris cover (not shown in FIG. 4L) to the left-hand
landing bracket 464l. The right-hand landing bracket 465l may
include a first hole 472l and a second hole (not shown in FIG. 4L)
that may receive a fastener (not shown in FIG. 4L) for fastening
the right-hand landing bracket 465l to the vertical structural
member 466l. The right-hand landing bracket 465l may also include a
third hole 475l for receiving a fastener (not shown in FIG. 4L) for
fastening a debris cover (not shown in FIG. 4L) to the right-hand
landing bracket 465l. The left-side modular standard assembly 460l
may also include an arm rest and cup holder (not shown in FIG. 4L),
a left-hand arm rest pivot end cap 407l, a left-hand arm rest pivot
ring 408l, a left-hand arm rest pivot support 409l, a left-hand arm
rest pivot plate 410l, a left-hand arm rest pivot mount 411l, an
arm rest attachment 412l, an arm rest pivot spacer 413l, an arm
rest pivot shim 414l, a right-hand arm rest pivot mount 415l, a
right-hand arm pivot plate 416l, a right-hand arm rest pivot
support 417l, a right-hand arm rest pivot ring 418l and a
right-hand arm rest pivot end cap 419l. While not shown in FIG. 4L,
the modular left-hand standard 460l may further include a debris
cover 198l, an end cover 199l and a host of fasteners that may
secure the various components and assemblies to one another. The
left-side modular standard assembly 460l may further include a
left-hand seat bracket 615l and a spring assembly 1000l with a
first spring fastener 1019l extending through a first left-hand
seat bracket hole 617l and a second spring fastener 1020l extending
through a second left-hand seat bracket hole 614l. For illustrative
purposes, a left-hand seat pivot assembly 800l having a left-hand
seat connector 801l and a left-hand seat pivot assembly mounting
hole 812l is depicted proximate the left-side modular standard
assembly 460l (i.e., as described with reference to FIG. 3H, the
left-hand seat pivot assembly 800l may be incorporated within a
modular chair seat assembly 316H). For further illustration, a
left-hand back bracket 605l and a left-hand chair back wing 251l
are depicted proximate the left-side modular standard assembly 460l
(i.e., as described with reference to FIG. 2C, the left-hand back
bracket 605l and the left-hand chair back wing 251l may be
incorporated within a modular chair back assembly 235c). The
left-hand chair back wing 251l may include a first fastener 240l
and a second fastener 242l that may be received within a respective
first hole 259l and second hole 260l to secure a chair back
structural member (not shown in FIG. 4L) to the left-hand chair
back wing 251l. The left-hand chair back wing 251l may be secured
to the left-hand chair back bracket 605l via a first fastener (not
shown in FIG. 4L) extending through a third chair back wing hole
256l and a first chair back bracket hole 606l, and a second
fastener (not shown in FIG. 4L) extending through a fourth chair
back wing hole 2571 and a second chair back bracket hole 607l The
right-hand chair back bracket 605l may be secured to the right-hand
chair seat bracket 615l via a fastener (not shown in FIG. 4L)
extending through the hole 610l and the opening 613l.
Turning to FIG. 4M, a front, top, perspective view of an example
modular right-side standard assembly 400m is depicted. The modular
right-side standard assembly 400m may be similar to the modular
right-side standard assembly 400a of FIG. 4A. The right-side
modular standard assembly 400m may include a vertical structural
member 401m, a first mounting foot 403m and a second mounting foot
404m. The first mounting foot 403m may be substantially similar to
the second mounting foot 404m and the two may be configured such
that the right-hand standard assembly 400m may be level with
respect to an associated mounting surface during installation. The
right-side modular standard assembly 400m may also include an arm
rest 190m, cup holder 191m, a left-hand arm rest pivot mount 411m,
an arm rest pivot ring 408m and an arm rest pivot end cap 407m. The
right-side modular standard assembly 400m may further include an
end panel 405m, a right-hand landing bracket 406m, a spring
assembly 1000m and a right-hand seat bracket 715m. The spring
assembly 1000m may include a first fastener 1019f with related
first nut 437m and a second fastener 1020m with related second nut
436m that may attach the right-hand seat bracket 715m to the spring
assembly 1000m. The spring assembly 1000m may further include a
third fastener (not shown in FIG. 4M) and a fourth fastener (not
shown in FIG. 4M) that may attach the spring assembly 1000m to the
right-hand landing bracket 406m. The right-side modular standard
assembly 400m may further include a seat pivot mounting bolt 438m
for securing a chair seat assembly (not shown in FIG. 4M) to the
right-side modular standard assembly 400m. While not shown in FIG.
4M, the modular right-hand standard 400m may further include a
debris cover 196m and a host of fasteners for securing the various
components and assemblies to one another.
With reference to FIG. 4N, a front, top, exploded, perspective view
of an example right-side modular standard 400n is depicted. The
right-side modular standard 400n may be similar to the modular
right-side standard 400m of FIG. 4M. The right-side modular
standard assembly 400n may include a vertical structural member
401n, a first mounting foot 403n and a second mounting foot 404n.
The right-side modular standard assembly 400n may also include an
arm rest 190n, a cup holder 191n, a left-hand arm rest pivot end
cap 407n, a left-hand arm rest pivot ring 408n, a left-hand arm
rest pivot support 409n, a left-hand arm rest pivot plate 410n, a
left-hand arm rest pivot mount 411n, an arm rest attachment 412n,
an arm rest pivot spacer 413n, an arm rest pivot shim 414n, a
right-hand arm rest pivot mount 415n, a right-hand arm pivot plate
416n, a right-hand arm rest pivot support 417n, a right-hand arm
rest pivot ring 418n, a right-hand arm rest pivot end cap 419n and
an arm rest cover 435n. The arm rest cover 435n may be secured to
the arm rest attachment 412n via a first fastener 440n extending
through a first arm rest cover hole 436n and a first arm rest
attachment hole 444n, a second fastener 441n extending through a
second arm rest cover hole 437n and a second arm rest attachment
hole 445n, a third fastener 442n extending through a third arm rest
cover hole 438n and a third arm rest attachment hole 446n, and a
fourth fastener 443n extending through a fourth arm rest cover hole
439n and a fourth arm rest attachment hole 447n. The right-side
modular standard assembly 400n may further include an end plate
405n, a right-hand landing bracket 406n, a debris cover attachment
407n, a spring assembly 1000n, a right-hand seat bracket 715n and a
seat pivot mounting bolt 429n. The spring assembly 1000n may
include a first fastener 1019n that extends through a first
right-hand seat bracket hole 717n to a first nut 434n and a second
fastener 1020n that extends through a second right-hand seat
bracket hole (not shown in FIG. 4N) to a second nut 432n, and that
may attach the right-hand seat bracket 715n to the spring assembly
1000n. The spring assembly 1000n may further include a third
fastener 1021n that may extend through a first right-hand landing
bracket hole 422n to a third nut 431n and a fourth fastener 1022n
that may extend through a second right-hand landing bracket hole
421n to a fourth nut 430n, and that may attach the spring assembly
1000n to the right-hand landing bracket 406n. The spring assembly
1000n may also include an over-travel bolt 426n that may extend
through a related washer 427n through the spring assembly 1000n to
a nut 428n to limit the distance that the associated rocker style
chair can rock backward. While not shown in FIG. 4N, the modular
right-hand standard 400n may further include a debris cover 196n
and a host of fasteners that may secure the various components and
assemblies to one another.
Turning to FIG. 4P, a front, top, perspective view of an example
center modular standard assembly 430p is depicted. The center
modular standard assembly 430p may be similar to the center modular
standard assembly 430a of FIG. 4A. The center modular standard
assembly 430p may include a vertical structural member 434p, a
first mounting foot 431p and a second mounting foot 432p. The
center modular standard assembly 430p may also include an arm rest
192p, a cup holder 193p, a right-hand arm rest pivot mount 415p, a
left-hand arm rest pivot ring 408p and a left-hand arm rest pivot
end cap 407p. The center modular standard assembly 430p may further
include a left-hand landing bracket 405p, a right-hand landing
bracket (not shown in FIG. 4P), a debris cover attachment 433p, a
left-hand seat bracket 615p, a right-hand seat bracket 715p, a
first spring assembly 1000p and a second spring assembly 1000p. The
center modular standard assembly 430p may further include first and
second seat assembly attachment bolts 454p for attaching respective
seat assemblies (not shown in FIG. 4P) to the center modular
standard assembly 430p. The first spring assembly 1000p may include
a fourth fastener 1022p and nut 440p and a first over-travel bolt
438p with related washer 439p. The second spring assembly 1000p may
include a first fastener 1019p with related nut 43'7p and a second
fastener 1020p with related nut 436p. While not shown in FIG. 4P,
center modular standard assembly 430p may also include a debris
cover and a host of fasteners for securing the various components
and assemblies to one another.
With reference to FIG. 4Q, a front, top, exploded, perspective view
of an example center modular standard assembly 430q is depicted.
The center modular standard assembly 430q may be similar to the
center modular standard assembly 430p of FIG. 4P. The center
modular standard assembly 430q may include a vertical structural
member 434q, a first mounting foot 431q, a second mounting foot
432q and a debris cover attachment 433q. The center modular
standard assembly 430q may also include an arm rest 192q, a cup
holder 193q, a left-hand arm rest pivot end cap 407q, a left-hand
arm rest pivot ring 408q, a left-hand arm rest pivot support 409q,
a left-hand arm rest pivot plate 410q, a left-hand arm rest pivot
mount 411q, an arm rest attachment 412q, an arm rest pivot spacer
413q, an arm rest pivot shim 414q, a right-hand arm rest pivot
mount 415q, a right-hand arm pivot plate 416q, a right-hand arm
rest pivot support 417q, a right-hand arm rest pivot ring 418q, a
right-hand arm rest pivot end cap 419q and arm rest cover 441q. The
arm rest cover 441q may be secured to the arm rest attachment 412q
via a first fastener 446q extending through a first arm rest cover
hole 442q and a first arm rest attachment hole 450q, a second
fastener 447q extending through a second arm rest cover hole 443q
and a second arm rest attachment hole 451q, a third fastener 448q
extending through a third arm rest cover hole 444q and a third arm
rest attachment hole 452q and a fourth fastener 449q extending
through a fourth arm rest cover hole 445q and a fourth arm rest
attachment hole 453q. The center modular standard assembly 430q may
further include a left-hand landing bracket 405q, a right-hand
landing bracket 406q, a left-hand seat bracket 615q, a right-hand
seat bracket 715q, a first spring assembly 1000q and a second
spring assembly 1000q. The first spring assembly 1000q may include
a first fastener 1019q that extends through a first right-hand seat
bracket hole (not individually identified in FIG. 4Q) to a first
nut 437q and a second fastener 1020q that extends through a second
right-hand seat bracket hole (not individually identified in FIG.
4Q) to a second nut 436q, and that may attach the right-hand seat
bracket 715q to the first spring assembly 1000q. The first spring
assembly 1000q may further include a third fastener 1021q that may
extend through a first right-hand landing bracket hole 422q to a
third nut 435q and a fourth fastener 1022q that may extend through
a second right-hand landing bracket hole 423q to a fourth nut 455q,
and that may attach the first spring assembly 1000q to the
left-hand landing bracket 405q. The first spring assembly 1000q may
also include an over-travel bolt 438q that may extend through a
related washer 439q through the first spring assembly 1000q to a
nut 440q to limit the distance that the associated rocker style
chair can rock backward. The second spring assembly 1000q may
include a first fastener 1019q that extends through a first
right-hand seat bracket hole 717q to a first nut 437q and a second
fastener 1020q that extends through a second right-hand seat
bracket hole (not shown in FIG. 4Q) to a second nut 436q, and that
may attach the right-hand seat bracket 715q to the second spring
assembly 1000q. The second spring assembly 1000q may further
include a third fastener 1021q that may extend through a first
right-hand landing bracket hole 420q to a third nut 435q and a
fourth fastener 1022q that may extend through a second right-hand
landing bracket hole 421q to a fourth nut 455q, and that may attach
the second spring assembly 1000q to the right-hand landing bracket
406q. The second spring assembly 1000q may also include an
over-travel bolt 438q that may extend through a related washer 439q
through the second spring assembly 1000q to a nut 440q to limit the
distance that the associated rocker style chair can rock backward.
The center modular standard assembly 430q may include a first chair
seat assembly mounting bolt 454q for attaching a first chair seat
assembly (not shown in FIG. 4Q) to the center modular standard
assembly 430q and a second chair seat assembly mounting bolt 454q
extending through a right-hand chair bracket hole 714q for
attaching a second chair seat assembly (not shown in FIG. 4Q) to
the center modular standard assembly 430q. While not shown in FIG.
4Q, center modular standard assembly 430q may also include a debris
cover and a host of fasteners for securing the various components
and assemblies to one another.
Turning to FIGS. 4R and 4S, a front, right-side perspective view of
an example center standard 430r is shown along with a front,
right-side, exploded, perspective view 430s. The reference numbers
shown in FIGS. 4R and 4S are generally similar to previous FIGS.
4A-4H and 4J-4Q aside from the first zip-tie 460r, 460s, the second
zip-tie 461s, the first zip-tie hole 630r, 630s, the second zip-tie
hole 506r, 506s, the third zip-tie hole 730s and the fourth zip-tie
hole 473s. The first zip-tie 460r, 460s, the first zip-tie hole
630r, 630s and the second zip-tie hole 506r, 506s may be configured
to function as a forward over travel limiter to prevent an
associated rocker style chair from rocking too far forward. The
second zip-tie 461s, the third zip-tie hole 730s and the fourth
zip-tie hole 473s may be configure to further function as a forward
over travel limiter. Accordingly, the zip-ties 460r, 460s, 461r,
461s may prevent damage to a corresponding spring assembly 1000r,
1000s.
Turning to FIGS. 4T and 4U, a front, right-side perspective view of
an example center standard 430t is shown along with a front,
right-side, exploded, perspective view 430u. The reference numbers
shown in FIGS. 4T and 4U are generally similar to previous FIGS.
4A-4H and 4J-4Q aside from the first forward over-travel bolt 460t,
460u, the second over-travel bolt 461t, 461u, the over-travel bolt
hole (not individually identified in FIG. 4T or 4U), the second
over-travel bolt hole (not individually identified in FIG. 4T or
4U), the third over-travel bolt hole (not individually identified
in FIG. 4T or 4U) and the fourth over-travel bolt hole (not
individually identified in FIG. 4T or 4U). The first over-travel
bolt 460t, 460u, the first over-travel bolt hole (not individually
identified in FIG. 4T or 4U) and the second over-travel bolt hole
(not individually identified in FIG. 4T or 4U) may be configured to
function as a forward over travel limiter to prevent an associated
rocker style chair from rocking too far forward. The second
over-travel bolt 461t, 461u, the third over-travel bolt hole (not
individually identified in FIG. 4T or 4U) and the fourth
over-travel bolt hole (not individually identified in FIG. 4T or
4U) may be configure to further function as a forward over travel
limiter. Accordingly, the over-travel bolts 460t, 460u, 461t, 461u
may prevent damage to a corresponding spring assembly 1000t,
1000u.
Turning to FIGS. 4V-4Y, an example standard assembly 430v, 430w,
430x, 430y is depicted. The example standard assembly 430v, 430w,
430x, 430y may include a single piece standard 401v, 401w, 401x,
401y that may be constructed from a metal casting, an aluminum
casting, an iron casting, a molded plastic, a blow-molded plastic,
a composite material or the like. In any event, the standard
assembly 430v, 430w, 430x, 430y may include a mounting foot 431v,
431w, 431x, 430y, an arm rest 190v, 190w, 190x, 190y, a decorative
end panel 196v, 196w, 196x, 196y, a left-hand seat mount hole 405v,
405w, 405x, 405y and a right-hand seat mount hole 406v, 406w, 406x,
406y.
While the standard assembly 430v, 430w, 430x, 430y is described
herein as a part of a rocker style chair, the standard assembly
430v, 430w, 430x, 430y may be used in conjunction with a non-rocker
style chair. The key areas of the standard assembly 430v, 430w,
430x, 430y are: 1) a chair back may be held in position on the
standard 401v, 401w, 401x, 401y by features 261w, 261x, 261y, 262w,
262x, 262y, 263w, 263x, 263y, 264w, 264x, 264y on the wing 260w,
260x, 260y and standard 418w, 418y, 419w, 419y which cooperate to
allow an associated seat back to be held in a location facilitating
unassisted installation, thereby, reducing installation labor,
materials, time and cost while allowing seat back angle adjustment.
Features which cooperate to effect the standard assembly 430v,
430w, 430x, 430y are: a) Slot 261w, 261x, 261y, 262w, 262x, 262y,
263w, 263x, 263y on the wing 260w, 260x, 260y which engages the
post 419w, 419y on the casting 401v, 401w, 401x, 401y which limits
seat back movement and b) Wing 260w, 260x, 260y offset 264w, 264x,
264y which engages a rib 418w, 418y on the standard 401v, 401w,
401x, 401y which limits seat back movement.
While the standard assembly 430v, 430w, 430x, 430y is illustrated
with a cast standard and stamping 401v, 401w, 401x, 401y, those
skilled in the art may devise cooperating features in components
made with other materials or process. For example, a standard 401v,
401w, 401x, 401y made from sheet metal with features which
cooperate to limit back movement is contemplated. While the
standard assembly 430v, 430w, 430x, 430y is illustrated with a wing
260w, 260x, 260y which may engage the standard 401v, 401w, 401x,
401y at the bottom of the wing 264w, 264x, 264y, those skilled in
the art may devise cooperating features located at other relative
positions between the cooperation components. The end panel 196v,
196w, 196x, 196y may be held in position by interlocking features
197w, 197y, 409w, 409y, 198w, 198y, 417w, 417y 199w, 199y, 405w,
405y and limited number of fasteners (not shown in FIGS. 4V-4Y).
While the standard assembly 430v, 430w, 430x, 430y is illustrated
with a cast standard 401v, 401w, 401x, 401y and end panel 196v,
196w, 196x, 196y, those skilled in the art may devise cooperating
features in components made with other materials or process.
Turning to FIGS. 4Z1-4Z2, various views of an example right-end
standard assembly 400z1, 400z2, 400z3, 400z4 are depicted. The
right-end standard assembly 400z1, 400z2, 400z3, 400z4 may include
a right-hand standard 405z1, 405z2, 405z3, 405z4, a right-hand
debris cover 410z1, 410z2, 410z3, 410z4 and a right-hand end panel
415z1, 415z2, 415z3, 415z4. While only a right-hand standard
assembly 400z1, 400z2, 400z3, 400z4 is depicted in FIGS. 4Z1-4Z2, a
left-hand standard assembly may be similar to a mirror image of the
right-hand standard assembly 400z1, 400z2, 400z3, 400z4.
With reference to FIG. 5A, a rear, top, perspective view of an
example left-side assembly 500a is depicted to include a spring
assembly 1000a in proximity to a left-hand seat bracket 615a and a
left-hand landing bracket 505a for illustrative purposes. The
left-side assembly 500a may also include a seat assembly attachment
bolt 518a. The left-hand seat bracket 615a may include a securing
slot 613a between an alignment tab 612a and lip 611a. As described
herein, the spring assembly 1000a, the left-hand seat bracket 615a
and the left-hand landing bracket 505a may be incorporated within
various modular standard assemblies. While a left-hand seat bracket
615a and the left-hand landing bracket 505a are depicted in FIG.
5A, a spring assembly 1000a may be combined with a right-hand seat
bracket and a right-hand landing bracket in a similar manner. The
spring assembly 1000a may include a first fastener 1019a that may
extend through a first left-hand seat bracket hole (not
individually identified in FIG. 5A) to a first nut 516a and a
second fastener 1020a that may extend through a second left-hand
seat bracket hole (not individually identified in FIG. 5A) to a
second nut 517a to secure the left-hand seat bracket 615a to the
spring assembly 1000a. The left-side assembly 500a may also include
an over-travel bolt 519a in proximity with a left-hand seat bracket
hole 614a. The left-hand landing bracket 505a may include a
horizontal surface 510a extending at substantially ninety-degree
angle with respect to a vertical surface 511a. The left-hand
landing bracket 505a may further include a first mounting hole
506a, a second mounting hole 507a, a third hole 508a and a notch
509a.
Turning to FIG. 5B, an exploded, perspective, view of an example
left-side assembly 500b is depicted to include a spring assembly
1000b in proximity to a left-hand seat bracket 615b and a left-hand
landing bracket 505b for illustrative purposes. The left-side
assembly 500b may be similar to the left-side assembly 500a of FIG.
5A. The left-side assembly 500b may also include a seat assembly
attachment bolt 518b that may extend through a left-side seat
bracket hole 614b. The left-hand seat bracket 615b may include an
alignment tab 612b. The spring assembly 1000b may include a first
fastener 1019b that may extend through a first left-hand seat
bracket hole 617b to a first nut 516b and a second fastener 1020b
that may extend through a second left-hand seat bracket hole 616b
to a second nut 517b to secure the left-hand seat bracket 615b to
the spring assembly 1000b. The left-side assembly 500b may also
include an over-travel bolt 519b extending through a washer 520b
and extending through a passage 1011b in a spring assembly bushing
1010b to a nut 521b. The nut 521b may be trapped within left-hand
seat bracket hole 618b. The spring assembly 1000b may also include
a third fastener 1021b that may extend through a first left-hand
landing bracket hole 512b to a third nut 514b and a fourth fastener
1022b that may extend through a second left-hand landing bracket
hole 513b to a fourth nut 515b to secure the spring assembly 1000b
to the left-hand landing bracket 505b. The left-hand landing
bracket 505b may include horizontal surfaces 510b extending at
substantially a ninety-degree angle with respect to a vertical
surface 511b. The left-hand landing bracket 505b may further
include a third hole 508b and a notch 509b. The notch 509b may
accommodate the over-travel bolt 519b being placed within the
spring assembly 1000b and the left-hand seat bracket 615b prior to
the spring assembly 1000b being secured to the left-hand landing
bracket 505b.
As reflected in FIG. 5B, the left-hand seat bracket 615b may
include a substantially flat bottom surface 534b configured to rest
on a substantially flat top surface 533b of a spring assembly
1000b. The spring assembly 1000b may further include a
substantially flat lower surface 532b configured to rest on a
substantially flat upper surface 531b of a left-hand landing
bracket 505b. The substantially flat surfaces 531b-534b increase
rigidity and stability of the left-side assembly 500b when compared
to alternate non-flat surfaces.
FIG. 5C depicts a front, bottom, perspective view of a left-side
assembly 500c is depicted to include a spring assembly 1000c in
proximity to a left-hand seat bracket 615c and a left-hand landing
bracket 505c for illustrative purposes. The left-side assembly 500c
may be similar to the left-side assembly 500a of FIG. 5A. The
left-side assembly 500c may also include a seat assembly attachment
bolt 518c. The left-hand seat bracket 615c may include a securing
slot 613c between an alignment tab 612c and lip 611c. The spring
assembly 1000c may include a first fastener 1019c that may extend
through a first left-hand seat bracket hole (not individually
identified in FIG. 5C) to a first nut 516c to secure the left-hand
seat bracket 615c to the spring assembly 1000c. The left-side
assembly 500c may also include an over-travel bolt 519c extending
through a washer 520c and extending through the spring assembly
1000c. The spring assembly 1000c may also include a third fastener
1021c that may extend through a first left-hand landing bracket
hole (not individually identified in FIG. 5C) to a third nut 514c
and a fourth fastener 1022c that may extend through a second
left-hand landing bracket hole (not individually identified in FIG.
5C) to a fourth nut 515c to secure the spring assembly 1000c to the
left-hand landing bracket 505c. The left-hand landing bracket 505c
may include horizontal surfaces 510c extending at substantially a
ninety-degree angle with respect to a vertical surface 511c. The
left-hand landing bracket 505c may further include a first mounting
hole 506c, a second mounting hole 507c, a third hole 508c and a
notch (not individually identified in FIG. 5C) for receiving a
spring assembly rubber bushing 1015c.
Turning to FIG. 5D, an exploded, perspective, view of an example
left-side assembly 500d is depicted to include a spring assembly
1000d in proximity to a left-hand seat bracket 615d and a left-hand
landing bracket 505d for illustrative purposes. The left-side
assembly 500d may be similar to the left-side assembly 500a of FIG.
5A. The left-side assembly 500d may also include a seat assembly
attachment bolt 518d that may extend through a left-side seat
bracket hole (not individually identified in FIG. 5D). The
left-hand seat bracket 615d may include a securing slot 613d
between an alignment tab 612d and lip 612d. The spring assembly
1000d may include a first fastener 1019d that may extend through a
first left-hand seat bracket hole 617d to a first nut 516d and a
second fastener 1020d that may extend through a second left-hand
seat bracket hole 616d to a second nut 517d to secure the left-hand
seat bracket 615d to the spring assembly 1000d. The left-side
assembly 500d may also include an over-travel bolt 519d extending
through a washer 520d and extending through a passage 1040d in a
spring assembly bushing 1010d, 1015d to a nut 521d. The nut 521d
may be trapped within left-hand seat bracket hole (not individually
identified in FIG. 5D). The spring assembly 1000d may also include
a third fastener 1021d that may extend through a first left-hand
landing bracket hole 512d to a third nut 514d and a fourth fastener
1022d that may extend through a second left-hand landing bracket
hole 513d to a fourth nut 515d to secure the spring assembly 1000d
to the left-hand landing bracket 505d. The left-hand landing
bracket 505d may include horizontal surfaces 510d extending at
substantially a ninety-degree angle with respect to a vertical
surface 511d. The left-hand landing bracket 505d may further
include a first mounting hole 506d, a second mounting hole 507d, a
third hole 508d and a notch 509d.
As reflected in FIG. 5D, the left-hand seat bracket 615d may
include a substantially flat bottom surface 534d configured to rest
on a substantially flat top surface 533d of a spring assembly
1000d. The spring assembly 1000b may further include a
substantially flat lower surface 532d configured to rest on a
substantially flat upper surface 531d of a left-hand landing
bracket 505d. The substantially flat surfaces 531d-534d increase
rigidity and stability of the left-side assembly 500d when compared
to alternate non-flat surfaces. The bolt head and nut trapping
features (e.g., 720d and 719d of FIG. 7D) of the left-hand seat
bracket 615d facilitates engagement of the substantially flat
bottom surface 534d with the substantially flat top surface
533d.
Turning to FIG. 5E, a top, plan, view of the example left-side
assembly 500e is depicted to include a spring assembly 1000e in
proximity to a left-hand seat bracket 615e and a left-hand landing
bracket 505e for illustrative purposes. The left-hand seat bracket
615e may include a securing slot 613e between an alignment tab 612e
and lip 611e along with a seat assembly mounting bolt hole 614e. As
described herein, the spring assembly 1000e, the left-hand seat
bracket 615e and the left-hand landing bracket 505e may be
incorporated within various modular standard assemblies. While a
left-hand seat bracket 615e and the left-hand landing bracket 505e
are depicted in FIG. 5E, a spring assembly 1000e may be combined
with a right-hand seat bracket and a right-hand landing bracket in
a similar manner. The spring assembly 1000e may include a first
fastener 1019e that may extend through a first left-hand seat
bracket hole (not individually identified in FIG. 5E) to a first
nut 516e and a second fastener 1020e that may extend through a
second left-hand seat bracket hole (not individually identified in
FIG. 5E) to a second nut 517e to secure the left-hand seat bracket
615e to the spring assembly 1000e. The left-side assembly 500e may
also include an over-travel bolt 519e in proximity with a left-hand
seat bracket hole 618e.
With reference to FIG. 5F, a side, plan, section view of the
example left-side assembly 500f is depicted. The left-side assembly
500f section is taken along section-line 5F-5F of FIG. 5E. The
left-side assembly 500f may include a spring assembly 1000f in
proximity to a left-hand seat bracket 615f and a left-hand landing
bracket 505f. The left-side assembly 500f may also include a seat
assembly attachment bolt 518f that may extend through a left-side
seat bracket hole (not individually identified in FIG. 5F) with a
seat assembly bolt head 530f being trapped within a similarly
shaped first opening 620f within the left-hand seat bracket 615f.
The left-hand seat bracket 615f may include an alignment tab 612f.
The spring assembly 1000f may include a first fastener 1019f that
may extend through a first left-hand seat bracket hole 617f to a
first nut 516f and a second fastener 1020f that may extend through
a second left-hand seat bracket hole 616f to a second nut 517f to
secure the left-hand seat bracket 615f to the spring assembly
1000f. The left-side assembly 500f may also include an over-travel
bolt 519f extending through a washer 520f and extending through a
passage 1040f through the spring assembly 1000f to a nut 521f that
is trapped within a similarly shaped second opening 621f. The
over-travel bolt 519f may limit the spring assembly 1000f stretch
distance 531f. The spring assembly 1000f may also include a third
fastener 1021f that may extend through a first left-hand landing
bracket hole 512f to a third nut 514f and a fourth fastener 1022f
that may extend through a second left-hand landing bracket hole
513f to a fourth nut 515f to secure the spring assembly 1000f to
the left-hand landing bracket 505f. As can be seen in FIG. 5F, the
seat assembly bolt head 530f, the over-travel nut 521f and the top
bushing 1010d are received within respective recesses in the
underside of the seat bracket 615f such that a lower substantially
planar surface of the seat bracket 615f firmly, and evenly, rests
on a substantially planar top surface of a top cap of the spring
assembly 1000f.
Having an over-travel bolt 519f extending through a washer 520f and
extending through a passage 1040f through the spring assembly 1000f
to a nut 521f, such that the nut 521f is trapped within the second
opening 621f, in cooperation with the alignment tab 612f, reduces
wear of the spring assembly 1000f when the spring assembly 1000f
travels over the stretch distance 531f when the associated rocker
style chair 100c moves between a forward position 116c1, 136c1 and
a rearward position 116c2, 136c2. This configuration also reduces
noise associated with the rocking the rocker style chair 100c.
Turning to FIGS. 5G and 5H, a left-hand rocker assembly 500g, 500h
may include a left-hand landing bracket 505g, 505h, a spring
assembly 1000g, 1000h and a left-hand seat bracket 615g, 615h. The
left-hand rocker assembly 500g, 500h may further include a zip-tie
560g, 560h, looped through a first zip-tie hole 506g, 506h in the
left-hand landing bracket 505g, 505h and a second zip-tie hole
630g, 630h in the left-hand seat bracket 615g, 615h, that is
configured to limit a forward rocking motion of an associated
rocker style chair. The left-hand rocker assembly 500g, 500h may
also include a seat assembly mounting bolt 518g, 518h. The
left-hand rocker assembly 500g, 500h may further include features,
such as a rearward over-travel bolt 519b, as described with regard
to FIG. 5A-5F.
Turning to FIGS. 5J and 5K, a right-hand rocker assembly 500j, 500k
may include a right-hand landing bracket 505j, 505k, a spring
assembly 1000j, 1000k and a right-hand seat bracket 715j, 715k. The
right-hand rocker assembly 500j, 500k may further include a forward
over-travel limiting bolt 560j, 560k, extending through a first
bolt hole 541j, 541k in the right-hand landing bracket 505j, 505k
and a second bolt hole 730j, 730k in the right-hand seat bracket
715j, 715k, that is configured to limit a forward rocking motion of
an associated rocker style chair. The right-hand rocker assembly
500j, 500k may also include a seat assembly mounting bolt 518j,
518k. The right-hand rocker assembly 500j, 500k may further include
features, such as a rearward over-travel bolt 519b, as described
with regard to FIG. 5A-5F.
Turning to FIG. 6A, a front, top, perspective view of an example
left-hand seat bracket 615a is depicted proximate a left-hand back
bracket 605a. The left-hand seat bracket 615a and left-hand back
bracket 605a may be used, for example, within the rocker style
chairs of FIG. 1B. While the term "left-hand" is used here with
regard to the left-hand back bracket 605a, the left-hand back
bracket 605a may be used as a "right-hand" back bracket (e.g.,
right-hand back bracket 705a of FIG. 7A). The left-hand seat
bracket 615a and/or the left-hand back bracket 605a may be made of
cast iron, cast aluminum, carbon fiber reinforced plastic,
composite, fiber glass, metal, steel, forged iron, etc. The
left-hand back bracket 605a may include a first fastener hole 606a
and a second fastener hole 607a that may cooperate with respective
fasteners (not shown in FIG. 6A) to secure a left-hand chair back
wing (not shown in FIG. 6A) to the left-hand back bracket 605a. A
left-hand chair back wing (not shown in FIG. 6A) may be secured on
a first side 624a or a second side 625a of the left-hand back
bracket 605a to vary an overall width of a corresponding rocker
style chair (e.g., rocker style chair 115b, 150b of FIG. 1B). The
left-hand back bracket 605a may further include a left-hand seat
bracket engagement 608a. The left-hand seat bracket engagement 608a
may include a left-hand seat bracket lip receptacle 609a and a
third fastener hole 610a. The seat bracket height 622a may be less
than, or greater to, that shown in FIG. 6A to establish a space
between a bottom of an associated chair back (e.g., chair back
235b, 270b of FIG. 1B) and a top of a chair seat (e.g., chair seat
116b, 151b of FIG. 1B).
With further reference to FIG. 6A, the left-hand seat bracket 615a
may include a seat attachment bolt hole 614a, a first spring
assembly fastener hole 616a, a second spring assembly fastener hole
617a and an over-travel bolt hole 618a. The left-hand seat bracket
615a may also include a securing slot 613a between an alignment tab
612a and lip 611a. While the term "left-hand" is used here with
regard to the left-hand seat bracket 615a, the left-hand seat
bracket 615a may be configured as a "right-hand" seat bracket
(e.g., right-hand back bracket 715a of FIG. 7A) by relocating the
securing slot 613a, alignment tab 612a and lip 611a. For example,
the securing slot 613a, alignment tab 612a and lip 611a, along with
the seat attachment bolt hole 614a, the first spring assembly
fastener hole 616a, the second spring assembly fastener hole 617a
and the over-travel bolt hole 618a, may be concentrically located
with respect to the body portion 626a to make the seat bracket
"ambidextrous."
Turning to FIG. 6B, a front, top, perspective view of a left-hand
seat bracket 615b and a left-hand back bracket 605b is depicted.
The left-hand seat bracket 615b and a left-hand back bracket 605b
may be similar to the left-hand seat bracket 615a and the left-hand
back bracket 605a of FIG. 6A with the left-hand back bracket 605b
rotated with respect to the left-hand seat bracket 615b to reveal
further details of the seat bracket alignment tab receptacle 609b
and the fastener hole 610b of the seat bracket engagement 608b. The
left-hand seat bracket 615b may further include a first fastener
hole 606b and a second fastener hole 607b that may cooperate with
respective fasteners (not shown in FIG. 6B) to secure a left-hand
chair back wing (not shown in FIG. 6B) to the left-hand back
bracket 605b.
With further reference to FIG. 6B, the left-hand seat bracket 615b
may include a seat attachment bolt hole 614b, a first spring
assembly fastener hole 616b, a second spring assembly fastener hole
617b and an over-travel bolt hole 618b. The left-hand seat bracket
615b may also include a securing slot 613b between an alignment tab
612b and lip 611b.
Turning to FIG. 7A, a front, top, perspective view of an example
right-hand seat bracket 715a is depicted proximate a right-hand
back bracket 705a. The right-hand seat bracket 715a and right-hand
back bracket 705a may be used, for example, within the rocker style
chairs of FIG. 1B. While the term "right-hand" is used here with
regard to the right-hand back bracket 705a, the right-hand back
bracket 705a may be used as a "left-hand" back bracket (e.g.,
left-hand back bracket 605a of FIG. 6A). The right-hand seat
bracket 715a and/or the right-hand back bracket 705a may be made of
cast iron, cast aluminum, carbon fiber reinforced plastic,
composite, fiber glass, metal, steel, forged steel, etc. The
right-hand back bracket 705a may include a first fastener hole 706a
and a second fastener hole 707a that may cooperate with respective
fasteners (not shown in FIG. 7A) to secure a right-hand chair back
wing (not shown in FIG. 7A) to the right-hand back bracket 705a. A
right-hand chair back wing (not shown in FIG. 7A) may be secured on
a first side 724a or a second side 725a of the right-hand back
bracket 705a to vary an overall width of a corresponding rocker
style chair (e.g., rocker style chair 115b, 150b of FIG. 1B). The
right-hand back bracket 705a may further include a right-hand seat
bracket engagement 708a. The right-hand seat bracket engagement
708a may include a right-hand seat bracket lip receptacle 709a and
a third fastener hole 710a. The seat bracket height 722a may be
less than, or greater to, that shown in FIG. 7A to establish a
space between a bottom of an associated chair back (e.g., chair
back 235b, 270b of FIG. 1B) and a top of a chair seat (e.g., chair
seat 116b, 151b of FIG. 1B).
With further reference to FIG. 7A, the right-hand seat bracket 715a
may include a seat attachment bolt hole 714a, a first spring
assembly fastener hole 716a, a second spring assembly fastener hole
717a and an over-travel bolt hole 718a. The right-hand seat bracket
715a may also include a securing slot 713a between an alignment tab
712a and lip 711a. While the term "right-hand" is used here with
regard to the right-hand seat bracket 715a, the right-hand seat
bracket 715a may be configured as a "left-hand" seat bracket (e.g.,
left-hand back bracket 615a of FIG. 6A) by relocating the securing
slot 713a, alignment tab 712a and lip 711a. For example, the
securing slot 713a, alignment tab 712a and lip 711a, along with the
seat attachment bolt hole 714a, the first spring assembly fastener
hole 716a, the second spring assembly fastener hole 717a and the
over-travel bolt hole 718a, may be concentrically located with
respect to the body portion 726a to make the seat bracket
"ambidextrous."
Turning to FIG. 7B, a front, top, perspective view of a right-hand
seat bracket 715b and a right-hand back bracket 705b is depicted.
The right-hand seat bracket 715b and a right-hand back bracket 705b
may be similar to the right-hand seat bracket 715a and the
right-hand back bracket 705a of FIG. 7A with the right-hand back
bracket 705b rotated with respect to the right-hand seat bracket
715b to reveal further details of the seat bracket alignment tab
receptacle 709b and the fastener hole 710b of the seat bracket
engagement 708b. The right-hand seat bracket 715b may further
include a first fastener hole 706b and a second fastener hole 707b
that may cooperate with respective fasteners (not shown in FIG. 7B)
to secure a right-hand chair back wing (not shown in FIG. 7B) to
the right-hand back bracket 705b.
With further reference to FIG. 7B, the right-hand seat bracket 715b
may include a seat attachment bolt hole 714b, a first spring
assembly fastener hole 716b, a second spring assembly fastener hole
717b and an over-travel bolt hole 718b. The right-hand seat bracket
715b may also include a securing slot 713b between an alignment tab
712b and lip 711b.
Turning to FIG. 7C, a front, top, perspective view of right-hand
seat bracket 715c is depicted. The right-hand seat bracket 715c may
be similar to the right-hand seat bracket 715b of FIG. 7B. The
right-hand seat bracket 715c may include a seat attachment bolt
hole 714c, a first spring assembly fastener hole 716c, a second
spring assembly fastener hole 717c and an over-travel bolt hole
718c. The right-hand seat bracket 715c may also include a securing
slot 713c between an alignment tab 712c and lip 711c.
With reference to FIG. 7D, a front, bottom, perspective view of
right-hand seat bracket 715d is depicted. The right-hand seat
bracket 715d may be similar to the right-hand seat bracket 715c of
FIG. 7C. The right-hand seat bracket 715d may include a seat
attachment bolt hole 714d, a first spring assembly fastener hole
716d, a second spring assembly fastener hole 717d and an
over-travel bolt hole 718d. The right-hand seat bracket 715d may
also include a securing slot 713d between an alignment tab 712d and
lip 711d. The right-hand seat bracket 715d may further include a
seat assembly attachment bolt head receptacle 720d for trapping a
head 722d of a seat assembly attachment bolt 721d when the threads
723d are inserted through the seat attachment bolt hole 714d. The
right-hand seat bracket 715d may further include an over-travel
bolt nut receptacle 719d for trapping an over-travel bolt nut (not
shown in FIG. 7D). The term "trapping" is used herein to refer to
the fact that an associated bolt head or nut is both prevented from
rotating and is prevented from moving linearly when the associated
seat bracket (e.g., right-hand seat bracket 615a of FIG. 6A or
left-hand seat bracket of FIG. 7A) is secured proximate a
corresponding spring assembly (e.g., spring assembly 1000a of FIG.
10A).
With reference to FIG. 8A, a front, bottom, perspective view of an
example left-hand seat pivot assembly 800a is depicted that
reflects an occupant is setting on the corresponding seat assembly
(e.g., seat assembly 116b, 151b of FIG. 1B). The left-hand seat
pivot assembly 800a may be similar to the left-hand seat pivot
assembly 800b of FIG. 3B. The left-hand seat pivot assembly 800a
may include a left-hand seat connector 801a, a stationary post
811a, a first pivot bearing 818a, a biasing spring 820a, a first
bushing 824a, a second bushing 826a, a second pivot bearing 829a, a
left-hand pivot arm 837a, a fastener 841a and a bumper 845a. The
left-hand seat connector 801a may be connected to a left-hand seat
frame structure connector (not shown in FIG. 8A) via a first
fastener (not shown in FIG. 8A) extending through a first left-hand
seat connector hole 805a and a second fastener (not shown in FIG.
8A) extending through a second left-hand seat connector hole (not
shown in FIG. 8A). The left-hand seat connector 801a may include a
first side 802a, a second side 803a, an alignment hole 807a and a
bottom arm 810a with a decorative bottom fastener hole 847a. The
stationary post 811a may be made of cast iron, cast aluminum,
forged steel, molded steel, metal, carbon reinforced plastic,
fiberglass, aluminum, etc. and may include a chair seat mounting
hole 812a in a seat engagement 844a, a distal end 813a and a spring
biasing arm 814a having a first surface 835a and a second surface
836a. The left-hand pivot arm 837a may include a first side 838a
and a second side 839a. The bushing 824a may be friction fit onto a
first spring end 822a and the second bushing 826a may be friction
fit onto a second spring end 823a. The fastener 841a may include a
plurality of fingers 843a that friction fit to the distal end 813a
of the stationary post 811a. The first bushing 824a, the second
bushing 826a and the bumper 845a may cooperate to minimize noise
when an associated seat assembly (e.g., seat assembly 116b of FIG.
1B) pivots. The first pivot bearing 818a and the second bushing
829a may be made of high impact plastic, ceramic, hardened steel,
or the like, to minimize wear and noise when an associated seat
assembly (e.g., seat assembly 116b of FIG. 1B) pivots. The pivot
post 811a may be cast iron, cast aluminum, forged steel, machined
steel, fiberglass, carbon fiber reinforced plastic, composite,
etc.
Turning to FIG. 8B, a front, bottom, exploded, perspective view of
an example left-hand seat pivot assembly 800b is depicted. The
left-hand seat pivot assembly 800b may be similar to the left-hand
seat pivot assembly 800a of FIG. 8A. The left-hand seat pivot
assembly 800b may include a left-hand seat connector 801b, a
stationary post 811b, a first pivot bearing 818b, a biasing spring
820b, a first bushing 824b, a second bushing 826b, a second pivot
bearing 829b, a left-hand pivot arm 837b, a fastener 841a and a
bumper 845b. The left-hand seat connector 801a may be connected to
a left-hand seat frame structure connector (not shown in FIG. 8B)
via a first fastener (not shown in FIG. 8B) extending through a
first left-hand seat connector hole 805b and a second fastener (not
shown in FIG. 8B) extending through a second left-hand seat
connector hole 846b. The left-hand seat connector 801b may include
a first side 802b, a second side 803b, bumper engagement hole 806b,
an alignment hole 807b, a bottom arm 810b. The stationary post 811b
may be made of cast iron, cast aluminum, steel, iron, metal,
fiberglass, carbon fiber reinforced plastic, composite, etc. and
may include a chair seat mounting hole 812b in a seat engagement
844b, a distal end 813b and a spring biasing arm 814b having a
first surface 835b and a second surface 836b. The first pivot
bearing 818b may include a passage way 816b, a first thinned
portion 817b and a second thinned portion 819b. The second pivot
bearing 829b may include a passage way 830b, a first thinned
portion 832b and a second thinned portion 831b. The left-hand pivot
arm 837b may include a hole 834b through a pivot plate 840b that
extends at substantially a right-angle with respect to an arm 833b,
a first side 838b and a second side 839b. The bushing 824b may
include a passageway 825b that may be friction fit onto a first
spring end 822b and the second bushing 826b may include a
passageway 827b that may be friction fit onto a second spring end
823b. The fastener 841b may include a plurality of fingers 843b
surrounding a hole 842b that may friction fit to the distal end
813b of the stationary post 811b.
With reference to FIG. 8C, a front, bottom, perspective view of an
example left-hand seat pivot assembly 800c is depicted that
reflects no occupant setting on the corresponding seat assembly
(e.g., seat assembly 116b, 151b of FIG. 1B). The left-hand seat
pivot assembly 800c may be similar to the left-hand seat pivot
assembly 800b of FIG. 8B. The left-hand seat pivot assembly 800c
may include a left-hand seat connector 801c, a stationary post
811c, a first pivot bearing 818c, a biasing spring 820c, a first
bushing 824c, a second bushing 826c, a second pivot bearing 829c, a
left-hand pivot arm 837c, a fastener 841c and a bumper 845c. The
left-hand seat connector 801c may be connected to a left-hand seat
frame structure connector (not shown in FIG. 8C) via a first
fastener (not shown in FIG. 8C) extending through a first left-hand
seat connector hole 805a and a second fastener (not shown in FIG.
8C) extending through a second left-hand seat connector hole (not
shown in FIG. 8C). The left-hand seat connector 801c may include a
first side 802c, a second side 803c, an alignment hole 807c and a
bottom arm 810c with a decorative bottom fastener hole 847c. The
stationary post 811c may be made of cast iron, cast aluminum,
aluminum, steel, metal, fiberglass, carbon fiber reinforced
plastic, composite, etc. and may include a chair seat mounting hole
812c in a seat engagement 844c, a distal end 813c and a spring
biasing arm 814c having a first surface 835c and a second surface
836c. The left-hand pivot arm 837c may include a first side 838c
and a second side 839c. The bushing 824c may be friction fit onto a
first spring end 822c and the second bushing 826c may be friction
fit onto a second spring end 823c. The fastener 841c may include a
plurality of fingers 843c that friction fit to the distal end 813c
of the stationary post 811c.
The spring 820a, 820b, 820c of the left-hand seat pivot assembly
800a, 800b, 800c may be in a "relaxed" state when the associated
chair seat 151l is in an up position. When an occupant sets on the
chair seat 116l in a down position, the spring 820a, 820b, 820c may
be "charged" or "loaded." Thereby, the chair seat automatically
moves from the position 116l to the position 151l when the occupant
exits the chair and the spring 820a, 820b, 820c maintains the seat
in the position 151l until an external force causes the seat to
pivot toward position 116l.
With reference to FIG. 8D, a left-hand seat pivot assembly 800d may
include a left-hand seat connector, a stationary post, a first
pivot bearing, a biasing spring, a first bushing, a second bushing,
a second pivot bearing, a left-hand pivot arm 837c, a fastener and
a bumper. The left-hand seat connector may be connected to a
left-hand seat frame structure connector (not shown in FIG. 8D) via
a first fastener (not shown in FIG. 8D) extending through a first
left-hand seat connector hole and a second fastener (not shown in
FIG. 8D) extending through a second left-hand seat connector hole
(not shown in FIG. 8D). The left-hand seat connector may include a
first side, a second side, an alignment hole and a bottom arm with
a decorative bottom fastener hole. The stationary post may be made
of cast iron, cast aluminum, aluminum, steel, metal, fiberglass,
carbon fiber reinforced plastic, composite, etc. and may include a
chair seat mounting hole in a seat engagement 844d, a distal end
and a spring biasing arm having a first surface 835d and a second
surface 836d. The left-hand pivot arm 837d may include a first side
and a second side. The bushing may be friction fit onto a first
spring end 822d and the second bushing may be friction fit onto a
second spring end 823d. The fastener may include a plurality of
fingers that friction fit to the distal end of the stationary
post.
As depicted in FIG. 8D, a spring keeper (e.g., spring keeper 2000e,
2000d) with up stop (e.g., up stop 2050e, 2050d) may be
incorporated into the pivot assembly 800d. A left-hand spring
keeper 2000d may be used on either a left-hand or right-hand side
of the pivot assembly 800d depending on the desired function. For
example, a neutral position may be changed by how a spring keeper
is attached to a hinge base (e.g., 5/8 fold or 3/4-fold). An
associated up-stop may, for example, be configured to prevent an
associated chair seat from being pushed to full fold. This may keep
a chair seat from, for example, interfering with an associated
rocker mechanism.
Turning to FIG. 8E, a left-hand seat pivot assembly 800e may
include a left-hand seat connector, a stationary post, a first
pivot bearing, a biasing spring, a first bushing, a second bushing,
a second pivot bearing, a left-hand pivot arm 837c, a fastener and
a bumper. The left-hand seat connector may be connected to a
left-hand seat frame structure connector (not shown in FIG. 8E) via
a first fastener (not shown in FIG. 8E) extending through a first
left-hand seat connector hole and a second fastener (not shown in
FIG. 8E) extending through a second left-hand seat connector hole
(not shown in FIG. 8E). The left-hand seat connector may include a
first side, a second side, an alignment hole and a bottom arm with
a decorative bottom fastener hole. The stationary post may be made
of cast iron, cast aluminum, aluminum, steel, metal, fiberglass,
carbon fiber reinforced plastic, composite, etc. and may include a
chair seat mounting hole in a seat engagement 844e, a distal end
and a spring biasing arm having a first surface 835e and a second
surface 836e. The left-hand pivot arm 837e may include a first side
and a second side. The bushing may be friction fit onto a first
spring end 822e and the second bushing may be friction fit onto a
second spring end 823e. The fastener may include a plurality of
fingers that friction fit to the distal end of the stationary
post.
The pivot assembly 800e may be similar to pivot assembly 800d
except with a different hinge pivot casting 844d, 844e to work with
other manufacturer's seats. Hinge casting 844e may be, for example,
a handed part, whereas hinge casting 844d may be, for example,
ambidextrous.
With reference to FIG. 9A, a front, bottom, perspective view of an
example right-hand seat pivot assembly 900a is depicted that
reflects an occupant is setting on the corresponding seat assembly
(e.g., seat assembly 116b, 151b of FIG. 1B). The right-hand seat
pivot assembly 900a may be similar to the right-hand seat pivot
assembly 900b of FIG. 3B. The right-hand seat pivot assembly 900a
may include a right-hand seat connector 901a, a stationary post
911a, a first pivot bearing 918a, a biasing spring 920a, a first
bushing 924a, a second bushing 926a, a second pivot bearing 929a, a
right-hand pivot arm 937a, a fastener 941a and a bumper (not shown
in FIG. 9A). The right-hand seat connector 901a may be connected to
a right-hand seat frame structure connector (not shown in FIG. 9A)
via a first fastener (not shown in FIG. 9A) extending through a
first right-hand seat connector hole 905a and a second fastener
(not shown in FIG. 9A) extending through a second right-hand seat
connector hole (not shown in FIG. 9A). The right-hand seat
connector 901a may include a first side 902a, a second side 903a,
an alignment hole 907a and a bottom arm 910a with a decorative
bottom fastener hole 947a. The stationary post 911a may be made of
cast iron, cast aluminum, aluminum, steel, metal, fiberglass,
carbon fiber reinforced plastic, composite, etc. and may include a
chair seat mounting hole 912a in a seat engagement 944a, a distal
end 913a and a spring biasing arm 914a having a first surface 935a
and a second surface 936a. The right-hand pivot arm 937a may
include a first side 938a and a second side 939a. The bushing 924a
may be friction fit onto a first spring end 922a and the second
bushing 926a may be friction fit onto a second spring end 923a. The
fastener 941a may include a plurality of fingers 943a that friction
fit to the distal end 913a of the stationary post 911a. The first
bushing 924a, the second bushing 926a and the bumper 945a may
cooperate to minimize noise when an associated seat assembly (e.g.,
seat assembly 116b of FIG. 1B) pivots. The first pivot bearing 918a
and the second bushing 929a may be made of high impact plastic,
ceramic, hardened steel, or the like, to minimize wear and noise
when an associated seat assembly (e.g., seat assembly 116b of FIG.
1B) pivots. The pivot post 911a may be cast iron, cast aluminum,
forged steel, machined steel, etc.
Turning to FIG. 9B, a front, bottom, exploded, perspective view of
an example right-hand seat pivot assembly 900b is depicted. The
right-hand seat pivot assembly 900b may be similar to the
right-hand seat pivot assembly 900a of FIG. 9A. The right-hand seat
pivot assembly 900b may include a right-hand seat connector 901b, a
stationary post 911b, a first pivot bearing 918b, a biasing spring
920b, a first bushing 924b, a second bushing 926b, a second pivot
bearing 929b, a right-hand pivot arm 937b, a fastener 941a and a
bumper (not shown in FIG. 9B). The right-hand seat connector 901a
may be connected to a right-hand seat frame structure connector
(not shown in FIG. 9B) via a first fastener (not shown in FIG. 9B)
extending through a first right-hand seat connector hole 905b and a
second fastener (not shown in FIG. 9B) extending through a second
right-hand seat connector hole 946b. The right-hand seat connector
901b may include a first side 902b, a second side 903b, bumper
engagement hole 906b, an alignment hole 907b, a bottom arm 910b.
The stationary post 911b may be made of cast iron, cast aluminum,
aluminum, steel, metal, fiberglass, carbon fiber reinforced
plastic, composite, etc. and may include a chair seat mounting hole
912b in a seat engagement 944b, a distal end 913b and a spring
biasing arm 914b having a first surface 935b and a second surface
936b. The first pivot bearing 918b may include a passage way 916b,
a first thinned portion 917b and a second thinned portion 919b. The
second pivot bearing 929b may include a passage way 930b, a first
thinned portion 932b and a second thinned portion 931b. The
right-hand pivot arm 937b may include a hole 934b through a pivot
plate 940b that extends at substantially a right-angle with respect
to an arm 933b, a first side 938b and a second side 939b. The
bushing 924b may include a passageway 925b that may be friction fit
onto a first spring end 922b and the second bushing 926b may
include a passageway 927b that may be friction fit onto a second
spring end 923b. The fastener 941b may include a plurality of
fingers 943b surrounding a hole 942b that may friction fit to the
distal end 913b of the stationary post 911b.
With reference to FIG. 9C, a front, bottom, perspective view of an
example right-hand seat pivot assembly 900c is depicted that
reflects no occupant setting on the corresponding seat assembly
(e.g., seat assembly 116b, 151b of FIG. 1B). The right-hand seat
pivot assembly 900c may be similar to the right-hand seat pivot
assembly 900b of FIG. 9B. The right-hand seat pivot assembly 900c
may include a right-hand seat connector 901c, a stationary post
911c, a first pivot bearing 918c, a biasing spring 920c, a first
bushing 924c, a second bushing 926c, a second pivot bearing 929c, a
right-hand pivot arm 937c, a fastener 941c and a bumper (not shown
in FIG. 9C). The right-hand seat connector 901c may be connected to
a right-hand seat frame structure connector (not shown in FIG. 9C)
via a first fastener (not shown in FIG. 9C) extending through a
first right-hand seat connector hole 905a and a second fastener
(not shown in FIG. 9C) extending through a second right-hand seat
connector hole (not shown in FIG. 9C). The right-hand seat
connector 901c may include a first side 902c, a second side 903c,
an alignment hole 907c and a bottom arm 910c with a decorative
bottom fastener hole 947c. The stationary post 911c may be made of
cast iron, cast aluminum, aluminum, steel, metal, fiberglass,
carbon fiber reinforced plastic, composite, etc. and may include a
chair seat mounting hole 912c in a seat engagement 944c, a distal
end 913c and a spring biasing arm 914c having a first surface 935c
and a second surface 936c. The right-hand pivot arm 937c may
include a first side 938c and a second side 939c. The bushing 924c
may be friction fit onto a first spring end 922c and the second
bushing 926c may be friction fit onto a second spring end 923c. The
fastener 941c may include a plurality of fingers 943c that friction
fit to the distal end 913c of the stationary post 911c.
The spring 920a, 920b, 920c of the left-hand seat pivot assembly
900a, 900b, 900c may be in a "relaxed" state when the associated
chair seat 151l is in an up position. When an occupant sets on the
chair seat 116l in a down position, the spring 920a, 920b, 920c may
be "charged" or "loaded." Thereby, the chair seat automatically
moves from the position 116l to the position 151l when the occupant
exits the chair and the spring 920a, 920b, 920c maintains the seat
in the position 151l until an external force causes the seat to
pivot toward position 116l.
Turning to FIG. 9D, a right-hand seat pivot assembly 900d may
include a right-hand seat connector, a stationary post, a first
pivot bearing, a biasing spring, a first bushing, a second bushing,
a second pivot bearing, a left-hand pivot arm 937c, a fastener and
a bumper. The right-hand seat connector may be connected to a
right-hand seat frame structure connector (not shown in FIG. 9D)
via a first fastener (not shown in FIG. 9D) extending through a
first right-hand seat connector hole and a second fastener (not
shown in FIG. 9D) extending through a second right-hand seat
connector hole (not shown in FIG. 9D). The right-hand seat
connector may include a first side, a second side, an alignment
hole and a bottom arm with a decorative bottom fastener hole. The
stationary post may be made of cast iron, cast aluminum, aluminum,
steel, metal, fiberglass, carbon fiber reinforced plastic,
composite, etc. and may include a chair seat mounting hole in a
seat engagement 944d, a distal end and a spring biasing arm having
a first surface 935d and a second surface 936d. The right-hand
pivot arm 937d may include a first side and a second side. The
bushing may be friction fit onto a first spring end 922d and the
second bushing may be friction fit onto a second spring end 923d.
The fastener may include a plurality of fingers that friction fit
to the distal end of the stationary post. According to the pivot
assembly 900d, an associated chair seat may be held in an occupied
position by spring force. A left-hand and right-hand keeper 2000d,
2000e may be used on opposite sides with an associated spring
holding a respective chair seat in an occupied position. The chair
seat may be manually raised for cleaning. Accordingly, an
associated spring may return the chair seat to an occupied
position.
With reference to FIG. 9E, a right-hand seat pivot assembly 900d
may include a right-hand seat connector, a stationary post, a first
pivot bearing, a biasing spring, a first bushing, a second bushing,
a second pivot bearing, a left-hand pivot arm 937c, a fastener and
a bumper. The right-hand seat connector may be connected to a
right-hand seat frame structure connector (not shown in FIG. 9D)
via a first fastener (not shown in FIG. 9D) extending through a
first right-hand seat connector hole and a second fastener (not
shown in FIG. 9D) extending through a second right-hand seat
connector hole (not shown in FIG. 9D). The right-hand seat
connector may include a first side, a second side, an alignment
hole and a bottom arm with a decorative bottom fastener hole. The
stationary post may be made of cast iron, cast aluminum, aluminum,
steel, metal, fiberglass, carbon fiber reinforced plastic,
composite, etc. and may include a chair seat mounting hole in a
seat engagement 944d, a distal end and a spring biasing arm having
a first surface 935d and a second surface 936d. The right-hand
pivot arm 937d may include a first side and a second side. The
bushing may be friction fit onto a first spring end 922d and the
second bushing may be friction fit onto a second spring end 923d.
The fastener may include a plurality of fingers that friction fit
to the distal end of the stationary post. Accordingly, a chair seat
may be held in an occupied position by a keeper 2000d, 2000e. As
depicted in FIG. 9D an associated chair seat may not be raised. A
left-hand and right-hand keeper may be used on opposite sides with
a keeper holding an associated chair seat in an occupied position
against a down-stop bumper. The pivot assembly 900d may be similar
to, for example, a pivot assembly 900a, 900b, 900c, 900d without
spring. In any event, an associated chair seat may stay in an up
position when manually raised. This configuration may, for example,
make cleaning of an associated theater or stadium easier.
Turning to FIG. 10A, a front, top, perspective view of an example
spring assembly 1000a is depicted. The spring assembly 1000a may be
similar to any one of the spring assemblies 1000g of FIG. 1G. The
spring assembly 1000a may include a molded rubber member 1005a. The
molded rubber member 1005a may include a plurality of front-end
fins 1012a with intervening front-end slits 1013a, a plurality of
substantially dumb-bell shaped passages 1014a, a plurality of
substantially cylindrical shaped passages 1016a and a plurality of
rear-end fins 1017a with intervening rear-end slits 1018a. The
spring assembly 1000a may further include a top cap 1023a and a
bottom cap 1028a. The top cap 1023a and the bottom cap 1028a may be
made of metal and may be co-molded with the molded rubber member
1005a. A layer of adhesion promotion material (not shown in FIG.
10A) may be applied to a surface of the top cap 1023a and the
bottom cap 1028a proximate the molded rubber member 1005a prior to
co-molding the top cap 1023a and the bottom cap 1028a with the
molded rubber member 1005a. The spring assembly 1000a may also
include a top rubber bushing 1010a having a top opening 1011a and a
bottom rubber bushing 1015a. The spring assembly 1000a may further
include a first fastener 1019a and a second fastener 1020a for
attaching the spring assembly 1000a to a seat bracket (not shown in
FIG. 10A). The spring assembly 1000a may also include a third
fastener 1021a and a fourth fastener 1022a for attaching the spring
assembly 1000a to a landing bracket (not shown in FIG. 10A). An
enlarged head-end of each fastener 1019a-1022a may be co-molded
with the molded rubber member 1005a. When an associated rocker
style chair (e.g., rocker style chair 115b or 151b of FIG. 1B) is
rocked backward, the front-end slits 1013a and the dumb bell shaped
passages 1014a may stretch such that the front-end of the top cap
1023a moves away from the front-end of the bottom cap 1028a and the
rear-end slits 1018a and the cylindrical shaped passages 1016a may
compress such that the rear-end of the top cap 1023a moves toward
the rear-end of the bottom cap 1028a. When an associated rocker
style chair (e.g., rocker style chair 115b or 151b of FIG. 1B) is
rocked forward, the front-end slits 1013a and the dumb bell shaped
passages 1014a may compress such that the front-end of the top cap
1023a moves toward the front-end of the bottom cap 1028a and the
rear-end slits 1018a and the cylindrical shaped passages 1016a may
stretch such that the rear-end of the top cap 1023a moves away from
the rear-end of the bottom cap 1028a. The front-end fins 1012a
and/or the rear-end fins 1017a may limit associated pinch points
while maintaining the ability of the spring assembly 1000a to flex
when the associated rocker style chair 115b, 151b is rocked
backward and forward, respectively. The front-end fins 1012a may be
configured to limit travel when the associated rocker style chair
115b, 151b is rocked forward. The rear-end fins 1017a may be
configured to limit travel when the associated rocker style chair
115b, 151b is rocked backward. The spring assembly 1000a may be
ambidextrous, such that the spring assembly 1000a may be
incorporated in any of a left-hand modular standard assembly (e.g.,
left-hand modular standard assembly 400d of FIG. 1D), a center
modular standard assembly (e.g., left-hand modular standard
assembly 430d of FIG. 1D) and a right-hand modular standard
assembly (e.g., left-hand modular standard assembly 460d of FIG.
1D). The spring assembly 1000a may be symmetrical from top to
bottom, such that the spring assembly 1000a may be installed
upside-down with no change in function.
With reference to FIG. 10B, a back, top, exploded, perspective view
of an example spring assembly 1000b is depicted. The spring
assembly 1000b may be similar to the spring assembly 1000a of FIG.
10A. The spring assembly 1000b may include a molded rubber member
1005b. The molded rubber member 1005b may include a plurality of
front-end fins 1012b with intervening front-end slits 1013b, a
plurality of substantially dumb-bell shaped passages 1014b, a
plurality of substantially cylindrical shaped passages 1016b and a
plurality of rear-end fins 1017b with intervening rear-end slits
1018b. The spring assembly 1000b may further include a top cap
1023b and a bottom cap 1028b. A first top cap side 1033b may align
with a first rubber member edge 1034b. A first bottom cap side
1036b may align with a second rubber member edge 1007b and a second
bottom cap side 1037b may align with a third rubber member edge
1038b. The top cap 1023b and the bottom cap 1028b may be made of
metal and may be co-molded with the molded rubber member 1005b. A
layer of adhesion promotion material (not shown in FIG. 10B) may be
applied to a bottom surface 1027b of the top cap 1023b and a top
surface 1029b of the bottom cap 1028b proximate the molded rubber
member 1005b prior to co-molding the top cap 1023b and the bottom
cap 1028b with the molded rubber member 1005b. The spring assembly
1000b may also include a top rubber bushing 1010b having a top
opening 1011b and a bottom rubber bushing 1015b. When the top cap
1023 and the bottom cap 1028b are co-molded with the molded rubber
member 1005b, the top rubber bushing 1010b may protrude through the
top cap hole 1025b and the bottom rubber bushing 1015b may protrude
through the bottom cap hole 1031b. The spring assembly 1000b may
further include a first fastener 1019b extending through a first
top cap hole 1026b and a second fastener 1020b extending through a
second top cap hole 1024b for attaching the spring assembly 1000b
to a seat bracket (not shown in FIG. 10B). The spring assembly
1000b may also include a third fastener 1021b extending through a
first bottom cap hole 1030b and a fourth fastener 1022b extending
through a second bottom cap hole 1032b for attaching the spring
assembly 1000b to a landing bracket (not shown in FIG. 10B). An
enlarged head-end of each fastener 1019b-1020b may be co-molded
with the molded rubber member 1005b which may form the respective
cubs 1009b, 1008b and similar cubs corresponding to fasteners
1021b, 1022b.
A method of manufacturing a spring assembly 1000a, 1000b for use in
a rocker style chair may include providing a mold with a first side
and a second side. The method may also include providing a top cap
with a first fastener hole, a second fastener hole and a top
bushing hole. The method may further include inserting a first
fastener through the first fastener hole and a second fastener
through the second fastener hole. The method may yet further
include inserting the top cap, the first fastener and the second
fastener within the first side of the mold. The method may even
further include providing a bottom cap with a third fastener hole,
a fourth fastener hole and a bottom bushing hole. The method may
also include inserting a third fastener through the third fastener
hole and a fourth fastener through the fourth fastener hole. The
method may further include inserting the bottom cap, the first
fastener and the second fastener within the first side of the mold.
The method may yet further include joining the first side of the
mold with the second side of the mold. The method may even further
include injecting rubber within the mold. The method may also
include separating the first side of the mold from the second side
of the mold. The method may further include removing the spring
assembly from the mold. At least one of: the first side of the mold
or the second side of the mold includes a plurality of posts
extending into a mold cavity and wherein each post has a
substantially dumbbell shaped cross section. Alternatively, or
additionally, at least one of: the first side of the mold or the
second side of the mold includes a plurality of posts extending
into a mold cavity and wherein each post has a substantially
circular shaped cross section. The method may further include the
steps of applying a first layer of adhesion promotion material to a
bottom surface of the top cap prior to inserting the top cap within
the first side of the mold and applying a second layer of adhesion
promotion material to a top surface of the bottom cap prior to
inserting the bottom cap within the first side of the mold. At
least one of: the first side of the mold or the second side of the
mold includes front end fins extending into a mold cavity. At least
one of: the first side of the mold or the second side of the mold
includes rear end fins extending into a mold cavity.
Turning to FIG. 11A, a blank 1100a of a right-hand debris cover
1110a is depicted as being formed in a substantially flat piece of
material 1105a. The right-hand debris cover 1110a may be similar to
the right-hand debris cover 196d of FIG. 1D. The substantially flat
piece of material 1105a may be metal, steel, plastic, carbon
reinforced plastic, a laminate material, a composite material, etc.
The blank 1100a may include a first mounting hole 1115a, a second
mounting hole 1120a and a first end plate tab slot 1135a formed in
a first section 1155a. The blank 1100a may further include a second
end plate tab slot 1130a formed in a second section 1150a and a
third mounting hole 1125a formed in a third section 1160a. The
first section 1155a may be distinguished from the second section
1150a via a first bend line 1140a and the second section 1150a may
be distinguished from the third section 1160a via a second bend
line 1145a.
With reference to FIG. 11B, a perspective view of a right-hand
debris cover 1100b is depicted. The right-hand debris cover 1100b
may be shaped from the blank 1100a of FIG. 11A. The right-hand
debris cover 1100b may include a first mounting hole 1115b, a
second mounting hole 1120b and a first end plate tab slot 1135b
formed in a first section 1155b. The right-hand debris cover 1100b
may further include a second end plate tab slot 1130b formed in a
second section 1150b and a third mounting hole 1125b formed in a
third section 1160b. The first section 1155b may extend from the
second section 1150b at a first angle along a first bend line 1140b
and the second section 1150b may extend from the third section
1160b at a second angle along a second bend line 1145b. The first
angle and the second angle may be substantially the same such that
the second section 1150b is substantially horizontal when the
right-hand debris cover 1100b is secured to a right-hand standard
(not shown in FIG. 11B).
Turning to FIG. 12A, a blank 1200a of a center debris cover 1210a
is depicted as being formed in a substantially flat piece of
material 1205a. The center debris cover 1110a may be similar to the
center debris cover 197d of FIG. 1D. The substantially flat piece
of material 1205a may be metal, steel, plastic, carbon reinforced
plastic, a laminate material, a composite material, etc. The blank
1200a may include a first mounting hole 1215a and a second mounting
hole 1220a formed in a first section 1245a. The blank 1200a may
further include a second section 1240a and a third mounting hole
1225a formed in a third section 1250a. The first section 1245a may
be distinguished from the second section 1240a via a first bend
line 1230a and the second section 1240a may be distinguished from
the third section 1250a via a second bend line 1235a.
With reference to FIG. 12B, a perspective view of a center debris
cover 1200b is depicted. The center debris cover 1200b may be
shaped from the blank 1200a of FIG. 12A. The center debris cover
1200b may include a first mounting hole 1215b and a second mounting
hole 1220b formed in a first section 1245b. The center debris cover
1200b may further include a second section 1240b and a third
mounting hole 1225b formed in a third section 1250b. The first
section 1245b may extend from the second section 1240b at a first
angle along a first bend line 1230b and the second section 1240b
may extend from the third section 1250b at a second angle along a
second bend line 1235b. The first angle and the second angle may be
substantially the same such that the second section 1240b is
substantially horizontal when the center debris cover 1200b is
secured to a center standard (not shown in FIG. 12B).
Turning to FIG. 13A, a blank 1300a of a left-hand debris cover
1310a is depicted as being formed in a substantially flat piece of
material 1305a. The left-hand debris cover 1110a may be similar to
the left-hand debris cover 198d of FIG. 1D. The substantially flat
piece of material 1305a may be metal, steel, plastic, carbon
reinforced plastic, a laminate material, a composite material, etc.
As can be appreciated by comparing FIG. 13A with FIG. 11A, the
blank 1300a may be substantially the same as the blank 1100a. The
blank 1300a may include a first mounting hole 1315a, a second
mounting hole 1320a and a first end plate tab slot 1335a formed in
a first section 1355a. The blank 1300a may further include a second
end plate tab slot 1330a formed in a second section 1350a and a
third mounting hole 1325a formed in a third section 1360a. The
first section 1355a may be distinguished from the second section
1350a via a first bend line 1340a and the second section 1350a may
be distinguished from the third section 1360a via a second bend
line 1345a.
With reference to FIG. 13B, a perspective view of a left-hand
debris cover 1300b is depicted. The left-hand debris cover 1300b
may be shaped from the blank 1300a of FIG. 13A. The left-hand
debris cover 1300b may include a first mounting hole 1315b, a
second mounting hole 1320b and a first end plate tab slot 1335b
formed in a first section 1355b. The left-hand debris cover 1300b
may further include a second end plate tab slot 1330b formed in a
second section 1350b and a third mounting hole 1325b formed in a
third section 1360b. The first section 1355b may extend from the
second section 1350b at a first angle along a first bend line 1340b
and the second section 1350b may extend from the third section
1360b at a second angle along a second bend line 1345b. The first
angle and the second angle may be substantially the same such that
the second section 1350b is substantially horizontal when the
left-hand debris cover 1300b is secured to a left-hand standard
(not shown in FIG. 13B). When the bends along bend lines 1340b,
1345b are opposite the bends along bend lines 1140b, 1145b, a
mirror image of left-hand debris cover 1300b may be formed as a
right-hand debris cover 1100b using the same blank 1105a,
1305a.
Turning to FIG. 14, a blank 1400 of an end cover 1410 is depicted
as being formed from a substantially flat piece of material 1405.
The substantially flat piece of material 1405 may be metal, steel,
plastic, carbon reinforced plastic, a laminate material, a
composite material, etc. The end cover 1410 may include a first tab
1435 and a second tab 1440 that may engage the first end plate tap
slot 1135a or 1335a and the second end plate tap slot 1130a or
1330a, respectively, to secure the end cover 1410 to either the
right-hand debris cover 1100b or 1300b. The end cover 1410 may also
include a first hole 1415, a second hole 1420, a third hole 1425
and a fourth hole 1430 for securing various components (not shown
in FIG. 14) to the end cover 1410.
With reference to FIG. 15A, a blank 1500a of a right-hand landing
bracket 1510a is depicted as being formed from a substantially flat
piece of material 1505a. The right-hand landing bracket 1510a may
be similar to the right-hand landing bracket 433g of FIG. 1G. The
substantially flat piece of material 1505a may be metal, steel,
plastic, carbon reinforced plastic, a laminate material, a
composite material, etc. The blank 1500a may include a first
mounting hole 1506a, a second mounting hole 1507a and a third hole
1508a formed in a first section 1511a. The blank 1500a may further
include a first spring assembly mounting hole 1512a formed in a
second section 1525a and a second spring assembly mounting hole
1513a formed in a third section 1515a. The blank 1500a may further
include an over-travel bolt opening 1509a and a fourth section
1520a having a debris cover mounting hole 1514a. The first section
1511a may be distinguished from the second section 1525a via a
first bend line 1535a. The first section 1511a may be distinguished
from the third section 1515a via a second bend line 1530a. The
second section 1525a may be distinguished from the fourth section
1520a via a third bend line 1540a.
Turning to FIG. 15B, a perspective view of a right-hand landing
bracket 1500b is depicted. The right-hand landing bracket 1500b may
be shaped from the blank 1500a of FIG. 15A. The right-hand landing
bracket 1500b may include a first mounting hole 1506b, a second
mounting hole 1507b and a third hole 1508b formed in a first
section 1511b. The right-hand landing bracket 1500b may further
include a first spring assembly mounting hole 1512b formed in a
second section 1525b and a second spring assembly mounting hole
1513b formed in a third section 1515b. The right-hand landing
bracket 1500b may further include an over-travel bolt opening 1509b
and a fourth section 1520b having a debris cover mounting hole
1514b. The first section 1511b may extend from the second section
1525a at approximately a ninety degree angle along a first bend
line 1535a. The first section 1511a may extend from the third
section 1515a at approximately a ninety degree angle along a second
bend line 1530a. The second section 1525a may extend from the
fourth section 1520a at approximately a ninety degree angle along a
third bend line 1540a.
With reference to FIG. 16A, a blank 1600a of a left-hand landing
bracket 1610a is depicted as being formed from a substantially flat
piece of material 1605a. The left-hand landing bracket 1610a may be
similar to the left-hand landing bracket 432g of FIG. 1G. The
substantially flat piece of material 1605a may be metal, steel,
plastic, carbon reinforced plastic, a laminate material, a
composite material, etc. The blank 1600a may include a first
mounting hole 1606a, a second mounting hole 1607a and a third hole
1608a formed in a first section 1611a. The blank 1600a may further
include a first spring assembly mounting hole 1612a formed in a
second section 1625a and a second spring assembly mounting hole
1613a formed in a third section 1615a. The blank 1600a may further
include an over-travel bolt opening 1609a and a fourth section
1620a having a debris cover mounting hole 1614a. The first section
1611a may be distinguished from the second section 1625a via a
first bend line 1635a. The first section 1611a may be distinguished
from the third section 1615a via a second bend line 1630a. The
second section 1625a may be distinguished from the fourth section
1620a via a third bend line 1640a.
Turning to FIG. 16B, a perspective view of a left-hand landing
bracket 1600b is depicted. The left-hand landing bracket 1600b may
be shaped from the blank 1600a of FIG. 16A. The left-hand landing
bracket 1600b may include a first mounting hole 1606b, a second
mounting hole 1607b and a third hole 1608b formed in a first
section 1611b. The left-hand landing bracket 1600b may further
include a first spring assembly mounting hole 1612b formed in a
second section 1625b and a second spring assembly mounting hole
1613b formed in a third section 1615b. The left-hand landing
bracket 1600b may further include an over-travel bolt opening 1609b
and a fourth section 1620b having a debris cover mounting hole
1614b. The first section 1611b may extend from the second section
1625a at approximately a ninety degree angle along a first bend
line 1635a. The first section 1611a may extend from the third
section 1615a at approximately a ninety degree angle along a second
bend line 1630a. The second section 1625a may extend from the
fourth section 1620a at approximately a ninety degree angle along a
third bend line 1640a. When the bends along bend lines 1630b,
1635b, 1640b are opposite the bends along bend lines 1530b, 1530b,
1540b, a mirror image of left-hand landing bracket 1600b may be
formed as a right-hand landing bracket 1500b using the same blank
1505a, 1605a.
With reference to FIG. 17A, a blank 1700a of a right-hand seat
connector 1710a is depicted as being formed in a substantially flat
piece of material 1705a. The right-hand seat connector 1710a may be
similar to the right-hand seat connector 901a of FIG. 9A. The
substantially flat piece of material 1705a may be metal, steel,
plastic, carbon reinforced plastic, a laminate material, a
composite material, etc. The blank 1700a may include a first
right-hand seat bracket attachment hole 1720a and a pivot spring
opening 1750a. The blank 1700a may also include a second right-hand
seat bracket attachment hole 1725a, a bumper opening 1740a and an
alignment opening 1730a formed in a first section 1755a. The blank
1700a may further include a pivot arm hole 1715a formed in a second
section 1760a, a pivot arm slot 1745a formed in a third section
1765a and a decorative bottom attachment hole 1735a formed in a
fourth section. The second section 1760a may be distinguished from
the first section 1755a via a first bend line 1770a, 1790a. The
third section 1765a may be distinguished from the first section
1755a via a second bend line 1775a, 1785a. The fourth section 1766a
may be distinguished from the third section 1765a via a third bend
line 1780a. The right-hand seat connector 1710a may include front
pivot arm adjustment holes 1780a and rear pivot arm adjustment
holes 1781a. One of the front pivot arm adjustment holes 1780a may
cooperate with a front seat connector adjustment hole 1925a and one
of the rear pivot arm adjustment holes 1781a may cooperate with a
rear seat connector adjustment hole 1920a to adjust the distance
the seat pivots (e.g., between position 116l and 151l of FIG.
1L).
Turning to FIG. 17B, a perspective view of a right-hand seat
connector 1700b is depicted. The right-hand seat connector 1700b
may be shaped from the blank 1700a of FIG. 17A. The right-hand seat
connector 1700b may include a first right-hand seat bracket
attachment hole 1720b and a pivot spring opening 1750b. The
right-hand seat connector 1700b may also include a second
right-hand seat bracket attachment hole 1725b, a bumper opening
1740b and an alignment opening 1730b formed in a first section
1755b. The right-hand seat connector 1700b may further include a
pivot arm hole 1715b formed in a second section 1760b, a pivot arm
slot 1745b formed in a third section 1765a and a decorative bottom
attachment hole 1735b formed in a fourth section. The second
section 1760b may be extend from the first section 1755a at
approximately a ninety degree angle along the first bend line
1770a, 1790a. The third section 1765a may be extend from the first
section 1755a at approximately a ninety degree angle along the
second bend line 1775a, 1785a. The fourth section 1766a may be
extend from the third section 1765a at approximately a ninety
degree angle along the third bend line 1780a. The right-hand seat
connector 1710b may include front pivot arm adjustment holes 1780b
and rear pivot arm adjustment holes 1781b. One of the front pivot
arm adjustment holes 1780b may cooperate with a front seat
connector adjustment hole 1925b and one of the rear pivot arm
adjustment holes 1781b may cooperate with a rear seat connector
adjustment hole 1920b to adjust the distance the seat pivots (e.g.,
between position 116l and 151l of FIG. 1L).
With reference to FIG. 18A, a blank 1800a of a left-hand seat
connector 1810a is depicted as being formed in a substantially flat
piece of material 1805a. The left-hand seat connector 1810a may be
similar to the left-hand seat connector 801a of FIG. 8A. As can be
appreciated by comparing FIG. 18A with FIG. 17A, the blank 1800a
may be substantially the same as the blank 1700a. The substantially
flat piece of material 1805a may be metal, steel, plastic, carbon
reinforced plastic, a laminate material, a composite material, etc.
The blank 1800a may include a first left-hand seat bracket
attachment hole 1820a and a pivot spring opening 1850a. The blank
1800a may also include a second left-hand seat bracket attachment
hole 1825a, a bumper opening 1840a and an alignment opening 1830a
formed in a first section 1855a. The blank 1800a may further
include a pivot arm hole 1815a formed in a second section 1860a, a
pivot arm slot 1845a formed in a third section 1865a and a
decorative bottom attachment hole 1835a formed in a fourth section.
The second section 1860a may be distinguished from the first
section 1855a via a first bend line 1870a, 1890a. The third section
1865a may be distinguished from the first section 1855a via a
second bend line 1875a, 1885a. The fourth section 1866a may be
distinguished from the third section 1865a via a third bend line
1880a. The left-hand seat connector 1810a may include front pivot
arm adjustment holes 1880a and rear pivot arm adjustment holes
1881a. One of the front pivot arm adjustment holes 1880a may
cooperate with a front seat connector adjustment hole 2025a and one
of the rear pivot arm adjustment holes 1881a may cooperate with a
rear seat connector adjustment hole 2020a to adjust the distance
the seat pivots (e.g., between position 116l and 151l of FIG.
1L).
Turning to FIG. 18B, a perspective view of a left-hand seat
connector 1800b is depicted. The left-hand seat connector 1800b may
be shaped from the blank 1800a of FIG. 18A. The left-hand seat
connector 1800b may include a first left-hand seat bracket
attachment hole 1820b and a pivot spring opening 1850b. The
left-hand seat connector 1800b may also include a second left-hand
seat bracket attachment hole 1825b, a bumper opening 1840b and an
alignment opening 1830b formed in a first section 1855b. The
left-hand seat connector 1800b may further include a pivot arm hole
1815b formed in a second section 1860b, a pivot arm slot 1845b
formed in a third section 1865a and a decorative bottom attachment
hole 1835b formed in a fourth section. The second section 1860b may
be extend from the first section 1855a at approximately a ninety
degree angle along the first bend line 1870a, 1890a. The third
section 1865a may be extend from the first section 1855a at
approximately a ninety degree angle along the second bend line
1875a, 1885a. The fourth section 1866a may be extend from the third
section 1865a at approximately a ninety degree angle along the
third bend line 1880a. When the bends along bend lines 1870b,
1875b, 1880b, 1885b, 1890b are opposite the bends along bend lines
1770b, 1775b, 1780b, 1785b, 1790b, a mirror image of left-hand seat
connector 1800b may be formed as a left-hand seat connector 1700b
using the same blank 1705a, 1805a. The left-hand seat connector
1800b may include front pivot arm adjustment holes 1880b and rear
pivot arm adjustment holes 1881b. One of the front pivot arm
adjustment holes 1880b may cooperate with a front seat connector
adjustment hole 2025b and one of the rear pivot arm adjustment
holes 1881b may cooperate with a rear seat connector adjustment
hole 2020b to adjust the distance the seat pivots (e.g., between
position 116l and 151l of FIG. 1L).
With reference to FIG. 19A, a blank 1900a of a right-hand pivot arm
1910a is depicted as being formed in a substantially flat piece of
material 1905a. The right-hand pivot arm 1910 may be similar to the
right-hand pivot arm 937a of FIG. 9A. The substantially flat piece
of material 1805a may be metal, steel, plastic, carbon reinforced
plastic, a laminate material, a composite material, etc. The blank
1900a may include a pivot post hole 1915a, a first hole 1920a and a
second hole 1925a formed in a first section 1935a. The blank 1900a
may further include a second section 1940a distinguished from the
first section 1935a via a bend line 1930a.
Turning to FIG. 19B, a perspective view of a right-hand pivot arm
1900b is depicted. The right-hand pivot arm 1900b may be shaped
from the blank 1900a of FIG. 19A. The right-hand pivot arm 1900b
may include a pivot post hole 1915b, a first hole 1920b and a
second hole 1925b formed in a first section 1935b. The right-hand
pivot arm 1900b may further include a second section 1940b
extending from the first section 1935b at substantially a ninety
degree angle along the bend line 1930b.
With reference to FIG. 20A, a blank 2000a of a right-hand pivot arm
2010a is depicted as being formed in a substantially flat piece of
material 2005a. The right-hand pivot arm 2010 may be similar to the
right-hand pivot arm 937a of FIG. 9A. As can be appreciated by
comparing FIG. 20A with FIG. 19A, the blank 2000a may be
substantially the same as the blank 1900a. The substantially flat
piece of material 1805a may be metal, steel, plastic, carbon
reinforced plastic, a laminate material, a composite material, etc.
The blank 2000a may include a pivot post hole 2015a, a first hole
2020a and a second hole 2025a formed in a first section 2035a. The
blank 2000a may further include a second section 2040a
distinguished from the first section 2035a via a bend line
2030a.
Turning to FIG. 20B, a perspective view of a right-hand pivot arm
2000b is depicted. The right-hand pivot arm 2000b may be shaped
from the blank 2000a of FIG. 20A. The right-hand pivot arm 2000b
may include a pivot post hole 2015b, a first hole 2020b and a
second hole 2025b formed in a first section 2035b. The right-hand
pivot arm 2000b may further include a second section 2040b
extending from the first section 2035b at substantially a ninety
degree angle along the bend line 2030b. When the bend along bend
line 2030b opposite the bend along bend line 1930b, a mirror image
of left-hand pivot arm 1900b may be formed as a left-hand pivot arm
2000b using the same blank 1905a, 2005a.
With respect to FIGS. 17A-20B and the related FIGS. 8A-9C, the
first holes 1920a, 1920b and 2020a, 2020b cooperate with a
respective set of the second holes 1780a, 1781a, 1880a, 1881a to
define a relaxed chair seat position (e.g., relaxed chair seat
position 151l of FIG. 1L) and/or a charged chair seat position
(e.g., charged chair seat position 161l of FIG. 1L). It should be
understood that a spring and/or pivot arm may be configured as
shown, for example, in FIG. 8D, 8E, 9D or 9E to define alternate
relaxed chair seat positions and/or charged chair seat
positions.
Turning to FIGS. 20C-20E, an alternate pivot arm configuration
2000c, 2000d, 2000e is depicted. With reference to FIG. 20C, a
blank 2000c of a pivot arm is depicted as being formed in a
substantially flat piece of material. The pivot arm 2000d may be
similar to the right-hand pivot arm 937a of FIG. 9A. As can be
appreciated by comparing FIG. 20D with FIG. 20E, the blank 2000c
may be substantially the same for either a right-hand pivot arm
2000d and a left-hand pivot arm 2000e. The substantially flat piece
of material may be metal, steel, plastic, carbon reinforced
plastic, a laminate material, a composite material, etc. The blank
2000c may include a pivot post hole 2015c, a first hole 2020c and a
second hole 2025c formed in a first section 2035c. The blank 2000c
may further include a second section 2040c distinguished from the
first section 2035c via a bend line. The blank 2000c may further
include a third section 2050c distinguished from the first section
2035c via a bend line.
FIG. 20D depicts a perspective view of a right-hand pivot arm
2000d. The right-hand pivot arm 2000d may be shaped from the blank
2000c of FIG. 20C. The right-hand pivot arm 2000d may include a
pivot post hole 2015d, a first hole 2020d and a second hole 2025d
formed in a first section 2035d. The right-hand pivot arm 2000d may
further include a second section 2040d extending from the first
section 2035d at substantially a ninety degree angle along a first
bend line. The right-hand pivot arm 2000d may further include a
third section 2050d extending from the first section 2035d at
substantially a ninety degree angle along a second bend line. When
a bend along the first and second bend lines is opposite a bend
along the first and second bend lines, a mirror image of right-hand
pivot arm 2000e may be formed as a left-hand pivot arm 2000e using
the same blank 2000c.
FIG. 20E depicts a perspective view of a right-hand pivot arm
2000e. The right-hand pivot arm 2000e may be shaped from the blank
2000c of FIG. 20C. The right-hand pivot arm 2000e may include a
pivot post hole 2015e, a first hole 2020e and a second hole 2025e
formed in a first section 2035e. The right-hand pivot arm 2000e may
further include a second section 2040e extending from the first
section 2035e at substantially a ninety degree angle along a first
bend line. The right-hand pivot arm 2000e may further include a
third section 2050e extending from the first section 2035e at
substantially a ninety degree angle along a second bend line.
With reference to FIG. 21, a flow diagram of a method of forming a
component from a flat piece of material 2100 is depicted. The
method 2100 may include receiving a substantially flat sheet of
metal (block 2105). The substantially flat piece of material may be
metal (e.g., 3 Gauge-12 Gauge), aluminum, steel, plastic, carbon
reinforced plastic, a laminate material, a composite material, etc.
The method 2100 may also include forming a blank of a component in
the substantially flat sheet of material (block 2110). The blank
may be formed by stamping, shearing, blade sawing, laser cutting,
water-jet cutting, oxy-acetylene cutting, plasma-arc cutting, etc.
The method 2100 may further include forming holes and/or openings
in the component blank (block 2115). The holes and/or openings may
be formed by stamping, drilling, shearing, blade sawing, laser
cutting, water-jet cutting, oxy-acetylene cutting, plasma-arc
cutting, etc. The method 2100 may yet further include shaping a
component from the component blank (block 2120). For example, the
shaping may be cold form bending, heat assist bending, break forms,
etc. A debris cover 1100b, 1200b, 1300b, an end cover 1400, a
landing bracket 1500b, 1600b, a seat connector 1700b, 1800b, a
pivot arm 1900b, 2000b and a chair back wing 250a, 251a may, for
example, be manufactured using the method 2100.
Turning to FIG. 22, a flow diagram of a method of installing a
plurality of rocker style chairs 2200 is depicted. The method 2200
may include receiving a plurality of parts and/or components at an
assembly site or assembly sites (block 2205). The method 2200 may
further include assembling modular right-hand standard(s) from
various parts and/or components at a first assembly site (block
2210). The method 2200 may also include assembling modular center
standard(s) from various parts and/or components at a second
assembly site (block 2215). The method 2200 may further include
assembling modular left-hand standard(s) form various parts and/or
components at a third assembly site (block 2220). Any two of, or
all three of, the first assembly site, the second assembly site
and/or the third assembly site may be at the same geographic
location. The method 2200 may also include assembling modular chair
seat(s) from various parts and/or components at a fourth assembly
site (block 2225). The method 2200 may further include assembling
modular chair back(s) from various parts and/or components at a
fifth assembly site (block 2230). The fourth assembly site and the
fifth assembly site may be at the same geographic location and may
be further at the same geographic location as one or more of the
first assembly site, the second assembly site and/or the third
assembly site. The method 2200 may also include shipping the
modular right-hand standard(s), the modular center standard(s), the
modular left-hand standard(s), the modular chair seat(s), the
modular chair back(s) and associated fasteners from the assembly
site(s) to an installation site that is at a geographic location
that is different than the assembly site(s) (block 2235). The
method 2200 may further include installing the modular right-hand
standard(s), the modular center standard(s), the modular left-hand
standard(s), the modular chair seat(s), the modular chair back(s)
and associated fasteners at the installation site (block 2240).
Various sub-assemblies of the modular assemblies may be
pre-assembled prior to being shipped to a corresponding modular
assembly, assembly site.
Turning to FIGS. 23A-23G, various view of debris cover assemblies
2300a, 2300b, 2300c, 2300d, 2300e, 2300f, 2300g are depicted. FIG.
23A depicts a right-hand debris cover assembly 2300a that may
include a right-hand debris cover body 2305a, an upper fastener
2310a and lower fasteners 2315a. FIGS. 23B and 23D-23F depict
various views of a center debris cover assembly 2300b, 2300d,
2300e, 2300f, 2300g that may include a center debris cover body
2305b, 2305d, 2305e, 2305f, 2305g, an upper fastener 2310b, 2310d,
2310e, 2310f, 2310g, and lower fasteners 2315b, 2315e. FIG. 23C
depicts a left-hand debris cover assembly 2300c that may include a
left-hand debris cover body 2305c, an upper fastener 2310c and
lower fasteners 2315c. The right-hand debris cover assembly 2300a,
the center debris cover assembly 2300b and/or the left-hand debris
cover assembly 2300c may be manufactured of plastic, blow-molded
plastic, machined plastic, cast metal, cast steel, cast aluminum,
metal, steel, aluminum, iron, cast iron, machined steel, machined
aluminum, machined metal, composite, fiber-reinforced plastic or
any other suitable material.
With reference to FIGS. 23H, 23J and 23K, a right-hand end panel
assembly 2300h, 2300j, 2300k that may include a right-hand end
panel body 2305h, 2305j, 2305k and securing brackets 2310j, 2315j,
2320j, 2310k, 2315k, 2320k, 2325k. The right-hand end panel
assembly 2300h, 2300j, 2300k manufactured of plastic, blow-molded
plastic, machined plastic, cast metal, cast steel, cast aluminum,
metal, steel, aluminum, iron, cast iron, machined steel, machined
aluminum, machined metal, composite, fiber-reinforced plastic or
any other suitable material. While only a right-hand end panel
assembly 2300h, 2300j, 2300k is depicted in FIGS. 23H, 23J and 23K,
a left-hand end panel may be similar to a mirror image of the
right-hand end panel assembly 2300h, 2300j, 2300k.
Chair seat hinge mechanisms are provided for pivotally mounting a
chair seat to an associated chair standard. The chair seat hinge
mechanisms of the present disclosure may prevent chair seat hinge
binding. The chair seat hinge mechanisms of the present disclosure
may also ensure that associated chair seats rise properly. Because
chair seat hinge landing brackets may be eliminated, the chair seat
hinge mechanisms of the present disclosure may enable chair
standard size and weight reductions, thereby, chair cost may be
reduced. Furthermore, fasteners, that are typically used to attach
a chair seat hinge to an associated seat, may be smaller since the
fasteners are not load bearing with the chair seat hinge mechanisms
of the present disclosure. Moreover, a chair seat hinge mechanisms
of the present disclosure may be factory installed on a standard
with fasteners not fully tightened, thereby, allowing chair seat
and chair back assembly in the field.
With reference to FIGS. 24A-24F, a chair assembly 2400a-f may
include a chair back 2435a-f and a chair seat hinge mechanism
2415a-f, 2425a-f supported by a chair standard 2405a-f. The chair
seat hinge mechanism 2415a-f, 2425a-f may include a chair seat
hinge seat pivot 2426b, 2426c, 2426e, 2426f receptacle 2427e
rotatably engaged with a chair seat hinge standard bracket post
2419e, 2419f. Alternatively, the chair seat hinge seat bracket
2415a-f may include a post and the chair seat hinge standard
bracket 2425a-f may include a mating receptacle. The chair seat
hinge standard bracket 2415a-f may be secured to the chair standard
2405a-f via a chair seat hinge standard bracket lip 2416a, 2416c-f
proximate a chair standard tab 2406a, 2406c-f; a chair seat hinge
standard bracket tab 2417a, 2417e-f secured to a chair standard lip
2407a, 2407e-f; and a chair seat hinge standard bracket fulcrum
2418e, 2418f proximate a chair standard hinge bracket receptacle
2408e, 2408f. The features of the chair seat hinge bracket and the
chair standard receptacle may be reversed. Similarly, the chair
seat hinge standard bracket tab 2417a, 2417e-f may be provided
toward a rear of the chair seat hinge standard bracket fulcrum
2418e, 2418f and a chair seat hinge standard bracket lip 2416a,
2416c-f toward the front. When, the chair seat hinge standard
bracket tab 2417a, 2417e-f may be provided toward a rear of the
chair seat hinge standard bracket fulcrum 2418e, 2418f and a chair
seat hinge standard bracket lip 2416a, 2416c-f toward the front,
the chair standard hinge bracket receptacle 2408e, 2408f features
would be reversed as well.
As an alternative to the chair seat hinge mechanism 2415a-f,
2425a-f, a chair seat hinge standard bracket 2425a-f may have a
portion toward a back of the associated chair such that an
occupants weight is substantially equally distributed in front and
behind the chair seat hinge mechanism 2415a-f. Other chair seat
hinge mechanism 2415a-f, 2425a-f options may be provided that
center an occupant's weight more forward or more rearward, as
desired.
A chair seat hinge mechanism may include a landing bracket for
attachment of other chair components (e.g., a row end panel, a
snack tray arm support, a tablet arm support, a row number panel, a
lighting module, or any other device as described in the commonly
assigned patent applications that are incorporated by reference
herein). Alternatively, or additionally, a chair standard may
include a landing bracket above an associated chair standard
receptacle for attachment of other chair components (e.g., a row
end panel, a snack tray arm support, a tablet arm support, a row
number panel, a lighting module, or any other device as described
in the commonly assigned patent applications that are incorporated
by reference herein).
While a single chair seat hinge mechanism 2415a-f is shown in FIG.
1A on a left-hand side of the chair assembly 2400a-f and supported
by the chair standard 2405a-f, a second chair seat hinge mechanism
may be supported by the chair standard 2405a-f and the second chair
seat hinge mechanism may be configured as a mirror image of the
chair seat hinge mechanism 2415a-f to define a right-hand chair
seat pivot. Alternatively, a row end panel, a snack tray arm
support, a tablet arm support, a row number panel, a lighting
module, or any other device as described in the commonly assigned
patent applications that are incorporated by reference herein. may
be installed next to the chair seat hinge mechanism 2415a-f in the
chair standard hinge bracket receptacle 2408e, 2408f. The chair
standard hinge bracket receptacle 2408e, 2408f may include features
that, while allowing an associated chair seat hinge mechanism
2415a-f to allow for chair standard misalignments, prevent the
chair seat hinge mechanism 2415a-f from disengaging the chair
standard hinge bracket receptacle 2408e, 2408f.
A chair standard 2405a-f may include a first mounting foot 2402a-f,
a second mounting foot 2403a-f, a chair arm 2410a-2410f, a first
chair back bracket 2411a-f, a second chair back bracket 2412a-f, a
third chair back bracket 2413a-f, and a fourth chair back bracket
2414a-f. Alternatively, a chair standard 2405a-f may include only a
first chair back bracket 2411a-f and a second chair back bracket
2412a-f when, for example, the chair standard 2405a-f is to be
installed at an end of a row of chairs. A chair back 2435a-f may
include a first chair back fastener receptacle 2436a-f, a second
chair back fastener receptacle 2437a-f, a third chair back fastener
receptacle 2438a-f, and a fourth chair back fastener receptacle
2439a-f.
Turning to FIGS. 24G, 24H, 24J and 24K, a chair seat hinge
mechanism 2400g, 2400h, 2400j, 2400k may include a chair seat hinge
seat bracket 2425g, 2425h, 2425j, 2425k pivotally engaged with a
chair seat hinge standard bracket 2415g, 2415h, 2415j, 2415k via a
chair seat hinge standard bracket post 2419j, 2419k received within
a mating chair seat hinge seat bracket receptacle 2427g, 2427k.
Alternatively, the chair seat hinge seat bracket 2415g, 2415h,
2415j, 2415k may include a post and the chair seat hinge standard
bracket 2425g, 2425h, 2425j, 2425k may include a mating receptacle.
The chair seat hinge mechanism 2400g, 2400h, 2400j, 2400k may
include a chair seat rotation limiter 2431g, 2431k, 2423h, 2423j,
2423k which may prevent rotation of the chair hinge assembly 2400g,
2400h, 2400j, 2400k when the associated chair is occupied. The
chair seat hinge mechanism 2400g, 2400h, 2400j, 2400k may include a
chair seat attachment 2425g, 2425h, 2425j, 2425k having fastener
receptacles 2430g, 2430h, 2430j, 2430k for fastening an associated
chair seat (not shown in FIGS. 24G, 24H, 24J and 24K) to a chair
seat hinge mechanism 2400g, 2400h, 2400j, 2400k. The chair seat
hinge mechanism 2400g, 2400h, 2400j, 2400k may include load
carrying/hinge position keepers 2429g, 2429k, 2428g, 2428,k, 2422h,
2422j, 2421h, 2421j. The chair seat hinge seat bracket 2415g,
2415h, 2415j, 2415k; the chair seat attachment 2425g, 2425h, 2425j,
2425k; the chair seat rotation limiter 2431g, 2431k, 2423h, 2423j,
2423k; and/or the load carrying/hinge position keepers 2429g,
2429k, 2428g, 2428,k, 2422h, 2422j, 2421h, 2421j may have planner,
cylindrical or hemispherical interfacial surfaces to assist in
hinge function while accommodating variations in standard
installation position and/or orientation.
While not shown in FIG. 24A-H, J or K, a chair seat hinge mechanism
2415a-h, j or k may include a chair seat biasing spring and/or
features, as described in the commonly assigned patent applications
that are incorporated herein by reference, configured to
automatically orient a chair seat to a desired position when an
occupant is not seating in the associated chair.
Cup holders are often incorporated into venue seating (e.g.,
theater seating, auditorium seating, sports arena seating, concert
hall seating, etc.). A cup holder may be incorporated into an
associated chair or may be attached to, for example, a back of
chair that is located in front of an associated chair. Cup holders
may be retrofitted to an associated seating installation subsequent
to the corresponding chairs being installed. The cup holders of the
present disclosure may provide flexible installation. A cup holder
of the present disclosure may be securely attached to an associated
chair or may be attached to, for example, a back of chair that is
located in front of an associated chair.
Turning to FIG. 25A, cup holder assembly 2500a may include a cup
holder 2505a attached to a portion of a chair structure 2520a
(e.g., a chair standard, a chair arm, a chair back support, a chair
back, etc.). The cup holder 2505a may also include an upper
stiffening lip 2511a and a cup support 2512a having, for example, a
web configuration that may allow liquid to drain out of the cup
holder 2505a. The cup holder 2505a may further include an
attachment structure which may include a first fixed portion 2506a,
a first flexible portion 2507a, a second fixed portion 2508a, and a
second flexible portion 2509a defining a channel 2513a.
The cup holder 2505a may be attached to a chair structure 2520a by,
for example, first flexing the first flexible portion 2507a away
from the first fixed portion 2506a and/or flexing the second
flexible portion 2509a away from the second fixed portion 2508a,
thereby, widening the channel 2513a. Subsequent to flexing the
first flexible portion 2507a away from the first fixed portion
2506a and/or flexing the second flexible portion 2509a away from
the second fixed portion 2508a, the chair structure 2520a may be
received within the cup holder attachment structure. Subsequent to
the chair structure 2520a being received within the cup holder
attachment structure, a first fastener 2515a and/or a second
fastener may draw the first flexible portion 2507a toward the first
fixed portion 2506a and/or drawing the second flexible portion
2509a toward the second fixed portion 2508a, thereby, clamping the
cup holder attachment structure onto the chair structure 2520a. The
cup holder 2505a may be removed from the chair structure 2520a by
reversing the above sequence.
With reference to FIG. 25B, cup holder assembly 2500b may include a
cup holder 2505b attached to a portion of a chair structure (not
shown in FIG. 25B). The cup holder 2505b may also include an upper
stiffening lip 2511b and a cup support 2512a having, for example, a
web configuration that may allow liquid to drain out of the cup
holder 2505b. The cup holder 2505b may further include an
attachment structure which may include a first fixed portion 2506b,
a first flexible portion 2507b, a second fixed portion 2508b, and a
second flexible portion 2509b defining a channel 2513b.
Turning to FIG. 25C, cup holder assembly 2500c may include a cup
holder 2505c attached to a portion of a chair structure 2520c
(e.g., a chair standard, a chair arm, a chair back support, a chair
back, etc.). The cup holder 2505c may also include an upper
stiffening lip 2511c and a cup support 2512c having, for example, a
web configuration that may allow liquid to drain out of the cup
holder 2505c. The cup holder 2505c may further include an
attachment structure which may include a first fixed portion 2508c
and a first flexible portion 2509c defining a channel 2525c.
With reference to FIG. 25D, cup holder assembly 2500d may include a
cup holder 2505d attached to a portion of a chair structure 2520d
(e.g., a chair standard, a chair arm, a chair back support, a chair
back, etc.). The cup holder 2505d may also include an upper
stiffening lip 2511d and a cup support 2512d having, for example, a
web configuration that may allow liquid to drain out of the cup
holder 2505d. The cup holder 2505d may further include an
attachment structure which may include a first fixed portion 2506d
and a first flexible portion 2507d defining a channel 2513d.
With reference to FIG. 26A, cup holder assembly 2600a may include a
cup holder 2605a attached to a portion of a chair structure 2620a
(e.g., a chair standard, a chair arm, a chair back support, a chair
back, etc.). The cup holder 2605a may also include an upper
stiffening lip 2611a and a cup support 2612a having, for example, a
web configuration that may allow liquid to drain out of the cup
holder 2605a. The cup holder 2605a may further include an
attachment structure which may include a fixed portion 2606a, and a
clamp 2607a defining a channel 2613a.
The cup holder 2605a may be attached to a chair structure 2620a by,
for example, first moving the clamp 2607a away from the fixed
portion 2606a, thereby, widening the channel 2613a. Subsequent to
moving the clamp 2607a away from the fixed portion 2606a, the chair
structure 2620a may be received within the cup holder attachment
structure. Subsequent to the chair structure 2620a being received
within the cup holder attachment structure, a first fastener 2615a
and/or a second fastener 2616a may draw the clamp 2607a toward the
fixed portion 2606a, thereby, clamping the cup holder attachment
structure onto the chair structure 2620a. The cup holder 2605a may
be removed from the chair structure 2620a by reversing the above
sequence.
Turning to FIG. 26B, cup holder assembly 2600b may include a cup
holder 2605b attached to a portion of a chair structure (not shown
in FIG. 26B). The cup holder 2605b may also include an upper
stiffening lip 2611b and a cup support 2612a having, for example, a
web configuration that may allow liquid to drain out of the cup
holder 2605b. The cup holder 2605b may further include an
attachment structure which may include a fixed portion 2606b and a
clamp 2607b defining a channel 2613b.
With reference to FIG. 26C, cup holder assembly 2600c may include a
cup holder 2605c attached to a portion of a chair structure 2620c
(e.g., a chair standard, a chair arm, a chair back support, a chair
back, etc.). The cup holder 2605c may also include an upper
stiffening lip 2611c and a cup support 2612c having, for example, a
web configuration that may allow liquid to drain out of the cup
holder 2605c. The cup holder 2605c may further include an
attachment structure which may include a fixed portion 2606c and a
clamp 2607c defining a channel 2613c.
Turning to FIG. 26D, cup holder assembly 2600d may include a cup
holder 2605d attached to a portion of a chair structure 2620d
(e.g., a chair standard, a chair arm, a chair back support, a chair
back, etc.). The cup holder 2605d may also include an upper
stiffening lip 2611d and a cup support 2612d having, for example, a
web configuration that may allow liquid to drain out of the cup
holder 2605d. The cup holder 2605d may further include an
attachment structure which may include a fixed portion 2606d and a
clamp 2607d defining a channel 2613d.
With reference to FIG. 27A, cup holder assembly 2700a may include a
cup holder 2705a attached to a portion of a chair structure 2720a
(e.g., a chair standard, a chair arm, a chair back support, a chair
back, etc.). The cup holder 2705a may also include an upper
stiffening lip 2711a and a cup support 2712a having, for example, a
web configuration that may allow liquid to drain out of the cup
holder 2705a. The cup holder 2705a may further include an
attachment structure which may include a fixed portion 2706a, and a
wedge 2707a defining a channel 2713a.
The cup holder 2705a may be attached to a chair structure 2720a by,
for example, first moving the wedge 2707a away from the fixed
portion 2706a, thereby, widening the channel 2713a. Subsequent to
moving the wedge 2707a away from the fixed portion 2706a, the chair
structure 2720a may be received within the cup holder attachment
structure. Subsequent to the chair structure 2720a being received
within the cup holder attachment structure, a first fastener 2715a
may draw the wedge 2707a toward the fixed portion 2706a, thereby,
clamping the cup holder attachment structure onto the chair
structure 2720a. The cup holder 2705a may be removed from the chair
structure 2720a by reversing the above sequence.
Turning to FIG. 27B, cup holder assembly 2700b may include a cup
holder 2705b attached to a portion of a chair structure (not shown
in FIG. 27B). The cup holder 2705b may also include an upper
stiffening lip 2711b and a cup support 2712a having, for example, a
web configuration that may allow liquid to drain out of the cup
holder 2705b. The cup holder 2705b may further include an
attachment structure which may include a fixed portion 2706b and a
wedge 2707b defining a channel 2713b.
With reference to FIG. 27C, cup holder assembly 2700c may include a
cup holder 2705c attached to a portion of a chair structure 2720c
(e.g., a chair standard, a chair arm, a chair back support, a chair
back, etc.). The cup holder 2705c may also include an upper
stiffening lip 2711c and a cup support 2712c having, for example, a
web configuration that may allow liquid to drain out of the cup
holder 2705c. The cup holder 2705c may further include an
attachment structure which may include a fixed portion 2706c and a
wedge 2707c defining a channel 2713c.
Turning to FIG. 27D, cup holder assembly 2700d may include a cup
holder 2705d attached to a portion of a chair structure 2720d
(e.g., a chair standard, a chair arm, a chair back support, a chair
back, etc.). The cup holder 2705d may also include an upper
stiffening lip 2711d and a cup support 2712d having, for example, a
web configuration that may allow liquid to drain out of the cup
holder 2705d. The cup holder 2705d may further include an
attachment structure which may include a fixed portion 2706d and a
wedge 2707d defining a channel 2713d.
With reference to FIG. 28A, cup holder assembly 2800a may include a
cup holder 2805a attached to a portion of a chair structure 2820a
(e.g., a chair standard, a chair arm, a chair back support, a chair
back, etc.). The cup holder 2805a may also include an upper
stiffening lip 2811a and a cup support 2812a having, for example, a
web configuration that may allow liquid to drain out of the cup
holder 2805a. The cup holder 2805a may further include an
attachment structure which may include a fixed portion 2806a, and a
clamp 2807a defining a channel 2820a. The cup holder 2805a may
include a slightly flattened portion 2814a opposite the channel
2820a. The flattened portion 2814a may be configured to align with
a vertically orientated plane defined by a rearward most portion of
an associated chair back (e.g., chair back 1235d of FIG. 12D).
Thereby, the cup holder 2805a will not extend into an associated
walkway behind the associated chair.
The cup holder 2805a may be attached to a chair structure 2820a by,
for example, first moving the clamp 2807a away from the fixed
portion 2806a, thereby, widening the channel 2813a. Subsequent to
moving the clamp 2807a away from the fixed portion 2806a, the chair
structure 2820a may be received within the cup holder attachment
structure. Subsequent to the chair structure 2820a being received
within the cup holder attachment structure, a first fastener 2815a
and/or a second fastener 2816a may draw the clamp 2807a toward the
fixed portion 2806a, thereby, clamping the cup holder attachment
structure onto the chair structure 2820a. The cup holder 2805a may
be removed from the chair structure 2820a by reversing the above
sequence.
Turning to FIG. 28B, cup holder assembly 2800b may include a cup
holder 2805b attached to a portion of a chair structure (not shown
in FIG. 28B). The cup holder 2805b may also include an upper
stiffening lip 2811b and a cup support 2812a having, for example, a
web configuration that may allow liquid to drain out of the cup
holder 2805b. The cup holder 2805b may further include an
attachment structure which may include a fixed portion 2806b and a
clamp 2807b defining a channel 2813b. The cup holder 2805b may
include a slightly flattened portion 2814b opposite the channel
2820b. The flattened portion 2814b may be configured to align with
a vertically orientated plane defined by a rearward most portion of
an associated chair back (e.g., chair back 2435d of FIG. 24D).
Thereby, the cup holder 2805b will not extend into an associated
walkway behind the associated chair.
With reference to FIG. 28C, cup holder assembly 2800c may include a
cup holder 2805c attached to a portion of a chair structure 2820c
(e.g., a chair standard, a chair arm, a chair back support, a chair
back, etc.). The cup holder 2805c may also include an upper
stiffening lip 2811c and a cup support 2812c having, for example, a
web configuration that may allow liquid to drain out of the cup
holder 2805c. The cup holder 2805c may further include an
attachment structure which may include a fixed portion 2806c and a
clamp 2807c defining a channel 2813c.
Turning to FIG. 28D, cup holder assembly 2800d may include a cup
holder 2805d attached to a portion of a chair structure 2820d
(e.g., a chair standard, a chair arm, a chair back support, a chair
back, etc.). The cup holder 2805d may also include an upper
stiffening lip 2811d and a cup support 2812d having, for example, a
web configuration that may allow liquid to drain out of the cup
holder 2805d. The cup holder 2805d may further include an
attachment structure which may include a fixed portion 2806d and a
clamp 2807d defining a channel 2813d.
Turning to FIGS. 29A-29C, an accessory tray assembly 2900a, 2900b,
2900c may include a tray 2915a, 2915b, 2915c secured to a tray
support 2925b, 2925c via, for example, fasteners 2929c (e.g.,
screws, bolts, adhesive, co-molding, etc. The tray support 2925b,
2925c may be a casting (e.g., a steel casting, an iron casting, an
aluminum casting, a composite material casting, etc.).
Alternatively, the tray support 2925b, 2925c may be a stamping
(e.g., a metal stamping), a molded plastic, or may be a composite
structure. The accessory tray assembly 2900a, 2900b, 2900c may
include a tray base 2935b, 2935c and lock dogs 2936b, 2936c.
With reference to FIGS. 30A-30D, an accessory tray assembly 3000a,
3000b, 3000c, 3000d may include a tray support 3025a, 3038b, 3025c,
3025d having a first support extension 3026a, 3026d, a second
support extension 3027a, 3027d, a third support extension 3028a,
3028d, and fasteners 3029c, 3029d. The tray support 3025a, 3038b,
3025c, 3025d may be similar to, for example, the tray support 225b,
225c. The accessory tray assembly 3000a, 3000b, 3000c, 3000d may
include a tray base 3035a, 3035b, 3035c and lock dogs 3036b, 3036c.
As shown in the cross section view 30B-30B of FIG. 30B, the
accessory tray assembly 3000a, 3000b, 3000c, 3000d may include
screw 3040b to secure the tray support 3025a, 3038b, 3025c, 3025d
to the tray base 3035a, 3035b, 3035c. The accessory tray assembly
3000a, 3000b, 3000c, 3000d may include a plug 3041b configured to
cover the screw 3040b. The tray support 3025a, 3038b, 3025c, 3025d
and/or the tray base 3035a, 3035b, 3035c may include access holes
3039b aligned with lock dog screws 3037b such that, for example,
the lock dogs 3036b, 3036c may be engaged with a corresponding
chair attachment (e.g., chair attachment 191m of FIG. 4M).
Turning to FIG. 31, an accessory tray assembly 3100 may include a
tray 3115, having a cup holder receptacle 3120, secured to a tray
support 3125, having a first support extension 3126 a second
support extension 3127, and a third support extension 3128, via
tray fasteners 3129. The tray support 3125 may be rotatably secured
to a center post 3144 of a tray base 3135 via a tray support
fastener 3140 and associated washer 3142. The accessory tray
assembly 3100 may include an inner bearing 3150 and an outer
bearing 3155 juxtaposed between the tray support 3125 and the tray
base 3135 configured to carry loads and reduce tray movements. The
accessory tray assembly 3100 may include at least one biasing
spring 3145, or other devise, to automatically return the tray 3115
to a stored position (e.g., non-use position) or an open position
(e.g., in-use position). The accessory tray assembly 3100 may
include a plug 3141 to obscure (or hide) the tray support fastener
3140. The tray support 3125 and/or the tray base 3135 may include
access holes (e.g., access holes 3039b of FIG. 30B) aligned with
lock dog screws 3142 such that, for example, the lock dogs 3136 may
be engaged with a corresponding chair attachment (e.g., chair
attachment 191m of FIG. 4M). The accessory tray assembly 3100 may
include at least one stop 3143 to limit movement of the tray 3115
in at least one of: a closed position, an opened position, an
intermediate position, any sub-combination thereof, or a
combination thereof.
With reference to FIGS. 32A-32G, an accessory tray assembly 3200a,
3200b, 3200c, 3200d, 3200e, 3200f, 3200g may include a tray support
3225a, 3225b, 3225c, 3225d, 3225f pivotally attached to a tray base
3235e, 3233f, 3235g with interposing inner bearing 3265a and outer
bearing 3255a. The accessory tray assembly 3200a, 3200b, 3200c,
3200d, 3200e, 3200f, 3200g may be similar to, for example, the
accessory tray assembly 3100 of FIG. 31. The tray support 3225a,
3225b, 3225c, 3225d, 3225f may be similar to, for example, the tray
support 3125 of FIG. 31, and may include a first extension 3226d, a
second extension 3227d, and a third extension 3228d. The tray base
3235e, 3233f, 3235g may be similar to, for example, the tray base
3135 of FIG. 31. The inner bearing 3265a may be similar to, for
example, the inner bearing 3150 of FIG. 31. The outer bearing 3255a
may be similar to, for example, the outer bearing 3155 of FIG. 31.
The accessory tray assembly 3200a, 3200b, 3200c, 3200d, 3200e,
3200f, 3200g may include at least one access hole 3234f for
accessing tray base 3235e, 3233f, 3235g fasteners (e.g., lock dogs
or screws) and at least one tray stop boss 3226f having a radius
3227f of, for example, 6 mm.
The inner bearing 3265a may have an inside cross section dimension
3265a of 15 mm and a cross section thickness dimension 3268a of 5.3
mm. The outer bearing 3255a may have a radius dimension 3255a of 95
mm and a bearing surface dimension 3266a of 5 mm. The a tray rest
position 3267a, 3289c (e.g., a tray stop position biased by a
spring) of the tray support 3225a, 3225b, 3225c, 3225d, 3225f may
be, for example, 15 degrees with respect to an axis that is
perpendicular to an associated chair arm (e.g., as shown in FIG.
1B). Optionally, the tray support 3225a, 3225b, 3225c, 3225d, 3225f
may have a full rotation 3269a of 360 degrees with respect to the
tray base 3235e, 3233f, 3235g.
The tray support 3225a, 3225b, 3225c, 3225d, 3225f and tray base
3235e, 3233f, 3235g may include a first dimension 3251a of 325 mm,
a second dimension 3252a of 125 mm, a third dimension 3253a of 98
mm, a fourth dimension 3254a of 70 mm, a fifth dimension 3249a of
10 mm, a sixth dimension 3256a of 19 mm, a seventh dimension 3257a
of 60 mm, an eighth dimension 3258a of 182 mm, a ninth dimension
3259a of 4.5 mm, a tenth dimension 3260a of 125 mm, an eleventh
dimension 3261a of 325 mm, a twelve dimension 3262a of 46.26 mm, a
thirteenth dimension 3263a of 52 mm, a fourteenth dimension 3264a
of 80 mm, a fifteenth dimension 3269b of 96 mm, a sixteenth
dimension 3270b of 4.5 mm, a seventeenth dimension 3271b of 23 mm,
an eighteenth dimension 3272b of 4.3 mm, a nineteenth dimension
3273b of 15 mm, a twentieth dimension 3274b of 60 mm, a
twenty-first dimension 3275b of 40.1 mm, a twenty-second dimension
3276b of 5 mm, a twenty-third dimension 3277b of 3 mm, a
twenty-fourth dimension 3278b of 19 mm, a twenty-fifth dimension
3279b of 5 mm, a twenty-sixth dimension 3280b of 1.5 mm, a
twenty-seventh dimension 3281b of 0.25 mm, a twenty-eighth
dimension 3282b of 5 mm, a twenty-ninth dimension 3261c of 350 mm,
a thirtieth dimension 3283c of 260 mm, a thirty-first dimension
3284c of 4.5 mm, a thirty-second dimension 3285c of 6 mm, a
thirty-third dimension 3286c of 12.3 mm, a thirty-fourth dimension
3287c of 200 mm, a thirty-fifth dimension 3288c of 38 mm, a
thirty-sixth dimension 3290c of 35 mm, a thirty-seventh dimension
3291c of 15 mm, a thirty-eighth dimension 3226e of a tray stop of 8
mm and an associated thirty-ninth dimension 3227e of a tray stop
catch of 11.8 mm, a fortieth dimension 3228e of a radius of a
temporary tray stop of 10.5 mm, a forty-first dimension 3230e of a
radius of a tray stop plate of 75 mm, a forty-second dimension
3231e of a tray stop plate fastener radius of 6.5 mm, a forty-third
dimension 3232e of a degree of rotation between a tray stop and a
temporary tray stop of 45 degrees, a forty-fourth dimension 3233e
of a degree of rotation between a tray stop and a temporary tray
stop of 45 degrees, a forty-fifth dimension 3230f of 35 mm, a
forty-sixth dimension 3228f of 38 degrees, a forty-seventh
dimension 3229f of 12 degrees, a forty-eighth dimension 3231f of 12
degrees, and a forty-ninth dimension 3232f of 36 degrees. The
specific dimensions provided above are for illustrative purposes
only, it should be understood that the dimensions may be increased,
or decreased, in, for example, proportion to one another.
Alternatively, any individual dimension may be increased or
decreased by, for example, +/-5-10% in proportion to any mating
part.
The tray base 3235e, 3233f, 3235g may include a first dimension
3226g of 113 mm, a second dimension 3227g of 95 mm, a third
dimension 3228g of 18 mm, a fourth dimension 3229g of 7 mm, a fifth
dimension 3230g of 5 mm, and a sixth dimension 3231g of 40 mm. The
specific dimensions provided above are for illustrative purposes
only, it should be understood that the dimensions may be increased,
or decreased, in, for example, proportion to one another.
Alternatively, any individual dimension may be increased or
decreased by, for example, +/-5-10% in proportion to any mating
part.
Turning to FIGS. 33A and 33B, a tray base 3335a, 3335b, for use
within accessory tray assemblies 3300a, 3300b, may include base
stand-offs 3337b, access holes 3339b, a center tray pivot post
3338b, and at least one tray stop 3343b. The tray base 3335a, 3335b
may be similar to, for example, the tray base 3135 of FIG. 31 or
the tray base tray base 3235e, 3233f, 3235g of FIGS. 32E, 32F, 32G,
respectively. The tray base 3335a, 3335b and/or tray base plate may
include a first dimension 3344a of a radius of a tray stop catch of
31 mm, a second dimension 3345a of a tray stop radius of 22 mm, a
third dimension 3346a of 5 mm, a fourth dimension 3347a of 6.5 mm,
a fifth dimension 3348a of 15.55 mm, and a sixth dimension 3349a of
6.5 mm. The specific dimensions provided above are for illustrative
purposes only, it should be understood that the dimensions may be
increased, or decreased, in, for example, proportion to one
another. Alternatively, any individual dimension may be increased
or decreased by, for example, +/-5-10% in proportion to any mating
part.
An accessory tray assembly may include an attachment having at
least one attachment mechanism for removably securing the accessory
tray within a receptacle of a chair. An accessory tray assembly may
include drain holes 3339b for draining liquids that enter the
assembly. An accessory tray assembly may include drain holes 3339b
which serve as access holes for snack tray attachment features. An
accessory tray assembly a cup holder may be omitted and replace by
other feature(s). All of the embodiments described herein that
include cup holders may not include a cup holder. An accessory tray
assembly may include features 3343a to aid orientation of the snack
tray during assembly. An accessory tray assembly may include
features to aid the orientation of the snack tray during assembly
to the chair.
With reference to FIGS. 34A-34D, an outer bearing 3455a, 3455b,
3455c, 3455d, for use within accessory tray assemblies 3400a,
3400b, 3400c, 3400d, may include at least one stop alignment 3443c,
at least one temporary tray stop alignment 3444c having a first
dimension 3458b of 6 mm and a second dimension 3462b of 8 mm, a
first outside dimension 3456d of 99 mm, a second dimension 3456b of
1.75 mm, a third dimension 3457b of 2.25 mm, a fourth dimension
3460b of 12 mm, a fifth dimension 3461b of 3 mm, a sixth dimension
3456a of a radius of 8 mm, a seventh dimension 3457a of an angle of
45 degrees, an eighth dimension 3458a of 1 mm, and a ninth
dimension 3459a of 37 mm. The outer bearing 3455a, 3455b, 3455c,
3455d may be similar to, for example, the outer bearing 3155 of
FIG. 31 or the outer bearing 3255a of FIG. 32A. The specific
dimensions provided above are for illustrative purposes only, it
should be understood that the dimensions may be increased, or
decreased, in, for example, proportion to one another.
Alternatively, any individual dimension may be increased or
decreased by, for example, +/-5-10% in proportion to any mating
part.
Turning to FIGS. 35A-35C, a biasing spring 3500a, 3500b, 3500c, for
use within accessory tray assemblies, may include a first catch
3501a, 3501c having a horizontal section 3502a, 3502b and a
vertical section 3503a, a second catch 3504a, 3504c having a
horizontal section 3505a, 3505b and a vertical section 3506a, and a
spring coil 3507a. The biasing spring 3500a, 3500b, 3500c may be
similar to, for example, the biasing spring 3145 of FIG. 31. The
biasing spring 3500a, 3500b, 3500c may include a first dimension
3510b of 17 mm, a second dimension 3511b of 31 mm, a third
dimension 3512b of 6.5 mm, a fourth dimension 3513b of 4 mm, a
fifth dimension 3514c of 31 mm, and a relaxed spring dimension
3515c of 90 degrees. The biasing spring 3500a, 3500b, 3500c may be
made from, for example, spring steel having an outside radius
dimension of 2 mm. The specific dimensions provided above are for
illustrative purposes only, it should be understood that the
dimensions may be increased, or decreased, in, for example,
proportion to one another. Alternatively, any individual dimension
may be increased or decreased by, for example, +/-5-10% in
proportion to any mating part.
Turning to FIGS. 36A and 36B, a pivotally stowaway tray assembly
with accessory compartment 3600a, 3600b may include a tray 1a, 1b
having an accessory compartment 2a, 2b (e.g., a cup holder, a
pencil holder, a cellular telephone holder/charger, etc.). The
object of the invention relates to an arrangement of a tablet hinge
system incorporated in armchairs, establishing an assembly which
allows folding tablet 1, corresponding to the furled position under
the armrest 2 of the assembly of the armchair 3 in application, by
simply pushing the tablet 1 forwards, from the position for use, to
be perfectly gathered in the furled position. According to the
invention, the arrangement of tablet 1 in the armrest 2 of the
armchair 3 in application is established by means of an assembly
support 4, which is included fixed with respect to the armrest 2 a
rotating hollow shaft 5 being incorporated axially with respect to
said support 4. The shaft 5 has in its front end a head 6, with
respect to which the tablet 1 is articulated by means of a
cam-shaped element 7 projecting in an area of a corner of the same.
The support 4 has in its rear part an angular notch 8, while the
shaft 5 incorporates in its rear end a perpendicular bolt 9 acting
with respect to the mentioned notch 8 of the support 4, determining
two stop positions limiting the rotation of the shaft 5 between two
defined angular positions. Inside shaft 5, there is a rod 10
included with axial freedom which is pushed by a spring 11 to
project through the head 6, so that in the assembly arrangement
said rod 10 rests with pressure on the periphery of the cam 7 of
the tablet 1. A roller 12 is incorporated in the end of the rod 10
by means of which said rod 10 provides a rotation support on the
periphery of the cam 7. In an end area of its contour, the cam 7
defines a notch 13 in which it is capable to fit the end of the rod
10 provided with the roller 12, such that when said fitting is
established, a provisional blocking of the rotation of the tablet 1
is determined between the cam 7 and the shaft 5 with respect to the
shaft 5. With all of the foregoing and starting from a folded
position of the tablet 1 in the armchair 3, as shown in FIGS. 36A
and 36B, to take the tablet 1 to the position for use, the tablet 1
has to be raised to a vertical position by rotating it with respect
to the articulated assembly on the head 6 of shaft 5 and then
folding it to the horizontal position for use. However, to take the
tablet 1 to the folding position form the position for use, it is
only necessary to push the tablet 1 forwards such that when a
certain position is reached, the tablet 1 itself makes the shaft 5
rotate with respect to the support 4, so that the tablet 1 is in a
position in which it falls into the folded position by its own
weight. When the furled position included under the corresponding
armrest 2 is reached, the tablet 1 is retained in this position by
means of a provisional blocking, due to the fitting of the end of
the rod 10 into the notch 13 of the cam 7, preventing a rebound by
which the tablet 1 may be improperly projected towards the front of
the armchair 3 in a wrong folding and entailing an obstacle in the
space in front of the armchair 3. When the tablet 1 is taken
forwards, the rotation of shaft 5 occurs by the weight of tablet 1
due to its shape, but with the purpose of increasing the efficiency
and the rapidity of said rotation and with respect to the shaft 5,
a torsion spring 14 is also incorporated in an arrangement tending
to make said shaft 5 rotate in the direction which takes tablet 1
to the position which falls into the folded position. It should be
understood that the accessory compartment 2a, 2b, may be attached
to an associated armrest such that the accessory compartment 2a, 2b
does not pivot when the tray 1a, 1b is pivoted.
With reference to FIG. 37, a pivotally stowaway tray assembly with
accessory compartment 3700 may include a tray 1 having an accessory
compartment 2 (e.g., a cup holder, a pencil holder, a cellular
telephone holder/charger, etc.). Armrest 18 (with adjustment
mechanism 22 and tablet 20) is mounted at the upper end of one of
the support legs 24, such as, for example, at the right support leg
for supporting a tablet for a right-handed person to use while
sitting in the seat or at the left support leg for supporting a
tablet for a left-handed person to use while sitting in the seat.
Another armrest (not shown) may be mounted at the other support leg
and the other armrest would not necessarily include the adjustment
mechanism and tablet or may include an adjustment mechanism and
tablet for the seat adjacent to the first seat. The armrest 18 with
the adjustment mechanism and tablet thus may be mounted at either
or both support legs, depending on the particular application of
the seat assembly. For example, each support leg may have an
armrest and adjustment mechanism and tablet mounted thereto, with
each support leg being a left leg for one seat and a right leg for
an adjacent seat, such as for a plurality of seats arranged in a
row at a seating facility. The adjustment mechanisms and tablets
may be configured to be right hand tablets (with the tablet for a
particular seat mounted to the right support leg of that seat) or
left hand tablets (with the tablet for a particular seat mounted to
the left support leg of that seat), depending on the particular
application of the seat assemblies. In the illustrated embodiment,
armrest 18 includes mounting post 18a that engages or is received
in tube member 24c of support leg 24, and that may be secured to
the tube member 24c, such as via one or more retaining elements
24e, such as a screw or pin or the like. As shown, armrest 18
includes a generally horizontal support or tube member 18b that is
attached to mounting post 18a. Tube member 18b and mounting post
18a are received or contained at least partially within a housing
or armrest casing 28, which may include an upper casing 28a, a
lower casing 28b and a rear casing portion 28c, and which may
include a padded armrest portion 28d at an upper surface thereof.
Rear casing portion 28c may be formed to receive a portion of
mounting post 18a and may provide a non-circular portion of the
mounting post that is received in a non-circular tube member 24c to
non-pivotally mount armrest 18 to support leg 24, Support or tube
member 18b extends generally horizontally to an open end portion of
the casing 28, and is configured to receive or attach to adjustment
mechanism 22 to adjustably mount tablet 20 at the forward or outer
end of the armrest 18. Adjustment mechanism 22 is adjustable to
pivotally mount tablet 20 at the outer end of the armrest. The
adjustment mechanism is configured to allow for pivotal movement of
tablet 20 about a generally horizontal pivot axis that is generally
normal to the longitudinal axis of the armrest and support tube to
facilitate movement between the lowered or stowed or non-use
position beneath armrest 18 and the raised position. The adjustment
mechanism is also configured to allow for pivotal movement of
tablet about a pivot axis that extends generally longitudinally
along support or tube member 18b to facilitate pivoting of the
tablet to its generally horizontal in-use position. Further, the
adjustment mechanism is also configured to limit pivotal movement
of the tablet about the longitudinal pivot axis when the tablet is
in its lowered or stored position and until the tablet is raised or
pivoted upward a threshold amount. The adjustment mechanism is also
configured to allow pivotal movement of the tablet about a
generally vertical pivot axis when the tablet is in its generally
horizontal in-use position to facilitate adjustment of the tablet
relative to the person using the tablet at the seat assembly. In
the illustrated embodiment, adjustment mechanism 22 includes a
pivot housing or pivot element 30 that includes a pivot shaft
portion 30a that is received in support tube 18b and a tablet
mounting portion 30b that pivotally mounts a swing arm or mounting
arm 32 (which is attached or affixed to tablet 20, such as via a
plurality of fasteners or the like). Shaft portion 30a has a
transverse slot 30c formed therethrough that extends transverse to
the longitudinal axis of the shaft portion 30a. Pivot element 30
receives a plunger 34 therein that is longitudinally movable along
pivot element 30 in response to pivotal movement of swing arm 32
about tablet mounting portion 30b of pivot 30, as discussed below.
When pivot shaft portion 30a is received within support tube 18b, a
pin or stop element 36 is inserted at least partially through
support tube 18b (such as through a hole or set of holes 18c or 18d
of support tube 18b) and through slot 30c of pivot shaft portion
30a and at least partially through plunger 34 to allow for
controlled pivotal and longitudinal movement of plunger 34 and
pivot element 30 relative to support tube 18b to control the
adjustment or movement of swing arm 32 and tablet 20 relative to
armrest 18, as also discussed below. Swing arm 32 includes a tablet
mounting portion 32a that is configured to attach to tablet 20,
such as via a plurality of screws, and a pivot mounting portion 32b
that is configured to pivotally mount to tablet mounting portion
30b of pivot element 30. In the illustrated embodiment, pivot
mounting portion 32b of swing arm 32 is pivotally mounted to
mounting portion 30b of pivot element 30 via a pivot pin or axle
38. Pivot mounting portion 32b includes a hole or aperture 32c
therethrough for receiving pivot axle 38 and includes an arcuate or
variable radius slot 32d at least partially around hole 32c and
along a perimeter region of pivot mounting portion 32b. The arcuate
slot 32d has different radii from the pivot hole 32c that vary from
a smaller radius portion 32e to a larger radius portion 32f. The
pivot mounting portion 32b has a generally arcuate or curved
perimeter region 32g and includes a generally flat or non-curved
stop surface 32h (generally at or near the smaller radius portion
32e) for engaging plunger 34 to longitudinally move or adjust
plunger 34 along pivot shaft 30a, as discussed below. Plunger 34 is
configured to be movably received within pivot shaft 30a and
includes a slot or receiving portion 34a for receiving the
perimeter region of pivot mounting portion 32b of swing arm 32. A
pin or guide element 40 is inserted or received at least partially
through plunger 34 and at least partially through or in arcuate
slot 32d. Guide pin 40 functions to move along arcuate slot 32d as
swing arm 32 is pivoted and to impart a longitudinal movement of
plunger 34 in response to the pivotal movement of swing arm 32
about pivot axle 38 via the tracking of the guide pin 40 along the
variable radius arcuate slot 32d of pivot mounting portion 32b of
swing arm 32, as discussed below. In the illustrated embodiment,
guide pin 40 is non-rotatable or rotationally fixed relative to
plunger 34 so as to slidably track along arcuate slot 32d in a
non-rotational or non-rolling manner. For example, guide pin 40 may
be press-fit through apertures in the plunger or may be
non-circular or keyed or otherwise formed so as to be received in a
correspondingly formed non-circular aperture in the plunger to
maintain the guide pin in a non-rotational state relative to the
plunger. However, it is envisioned that guide pin 40 could be
rotatably mounted to the plunger so as to rotate or roll as it
tracks along the arcuate slot. Plunger 34 also includes a slot 34b
through the body of plunger 34 for at least partially receiving pin
or stop element 36 that is received at least partially through
support tube 18b and through transverse slot 30c of pivot shaft
portion 30a. Slot 34b of plunger 34 includes a longitudinal slot
portion 34c (which extends longitudinally along plunger 34) and a
transverse slot portion 34d (which extends normal to longitudinal
slot portion 34c). In the illustrated embodiment, pivot element 30
and plunger 34 are shown as two-piece constructions, with the two
halves or portions of each component being snapped and/or fastened
or otherwise joined or connected together to form the pivot element
and plunger components. However, it is envisioned that the pivot
element and/or plunger may comprise unitary constructions or other
constructions or forms, while remaining within the spirit and scope
of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the curved
perimeter region 32g of swing arm 32 provides a curved outer
surface that generally corresponds to a curved or partial
spherical-shaped outer surface of tablet mounting portion 30b of
pivot element 30, thus providing an enhanced appearance to the
adjustment mechanism. In the illustrated embodiment, tablet
mounting portion 30b, at its end toward shaft portion 30a, is
generally rectangular or square-shaped and corresponds to the
generally rectangular or square-shaped end of upper armrest housing
28a when the pivot element is oriented with pivot axle 38 in a
generally horizontal orientation (where the tablet may be in its
stored position) or a generally vertical orientation (where the
tablet may be in its use position). Thus, the adjustment mechanism
provides generally flush or continuous outer surfaces at the end of
the armrest when the tablet is stored or in use to provide an
enhanced appearance to the seat assembly. It should be understood
that the accessory compartment 2, may be attached to an associated
armrest such that the accessory compartment 2 does not pivot when
the tray 1 is pivoted.
Turning to FIGS. 38A and 38B, a pivotally stowaway tray assembly
with accessory compartment 3800a, 3800b may include a tray 1a, 1b
having an accessory compartment 2a, 2b (e.g., a cup holder, a
pencil holder, a cellular telephone holder/charger, etc.). A
fitting or the like for pivotally attaching a tray assembly to
chairs may be substantially horizontally and laterally arranged on
the chair. An axis of rotation from its horizontal working position
in front of the seat surface of the chair in a vertical, the space
in front of the seat surface releasing position may be folded up
and about a pivot axis in a vertical gap space laterally adjacent
to the seat surface. The pivot mechanism may allow a seat user to
pop up the tray assembly by hand in a vertical position and then
laterally sunk into a gap next to the chair or on an associated row
of seats. The sinking may include known fittings so that only one
movement of the worktop by hand is necessary with assistance of a
spring to from its vertical. An associated pivot mechanism may
include an outer tube 8, an inner tube 9, a bearing in the inner
tube plunger 10 and arranged in the inner tube. A bearing disc 13
may accommodate a tray 1a, 1b placed near a peripheral edge. The
bearing disc 13 may serve as a control curve 15 and may cooperate
with a spring-loaded pressure piston 10. The plunger 10 may be
transverse to the piston axis extending pressure pin 16 which may
include a base member extending in an axial direction of the inner
tube slot 17. A head of the pressure pin 16 may engage a recess 18
of the outer tube 8 to secure the tray 1a, 1b in a desired
orientation. A rear end of the compression spring 11 may be
supported on an end cap 19 of the outer tube 8. It should be
understood that the accessory compartment 2a, 2b, may be attached
to an associated armrest such that the accessory compartment 2a, 2b
does not pivot when the tray 1a, 1b is pivoted.
Turning to FIGS. 39A and 39B, an accessory tray assembly and
related attachment components. An accessory tray assembly 3900a,
3900b may include a tray 3915a, 3915b that is movable between a
generally vertical stored position and a generally horizontal
in-use position, a ball and socket (or knuckle) 3925a/3935a,
3925b/3935b disposed between and operably connecting the tray
3915a, 3915b and a mount. The ball and socket (or knuckle)
3925a/3935a, 3925b/3935b may include a first and a second generally
planar surfaces 3936a, 3937a, 3936b, 3937b defining an oblique
angle with respect to one another. The ball and socket (or knuckle)
3925a/3935a, 3925b/3935b may be pivotably attached to a mount
3935a, 3935b at the first surface which may define a first plane of
rotation of the ball and socket (or knuckle) 3925a/3935a,
3925b/3935b with respect to the mount, and the ball and socket (or
knuckle) 3925a/3935a, 3925b/3935b may be pivotably attached to the
tray at the second surface which may define a second plane of
rotation of the ball and socket (or knuckle) 3925a/3935a,
3925b/3935b with respect to the tray. The tray may be movable
between a stored position and an in-use position by a rotation
between the ball and socket (or knuckle) 3925a/3935a, 3925b/3935b
and the mount in the first plane of rotation and between the tray
and the ball and socket (or knuckle) 3925a/3935a, 3925b/3935b in
the second plane of rotation. During rotation in the first plane of
rotation, rotation in the second plane of rotation may be locked.
During rotation in the second plane of rotation, rotation in the
first plane of rotation may be locked.
An accessory tray assembly may include a tray movable between a
generally vertical stored position and a generally horizontal
in-use position and a ball and socket (or knuckle) 3925a/3935a,
3925b/3935b operable between the tray and a mount, the ball and
socket (or knuckle) 3925a/3935a, 3925b/3935b may include an elbow,
a first plate 1138b, and a second plate 1139b. The elbow may
include first and second planar surfaces 1136a, 1136b, 1137a, 1137b
defining an oblique angle with respect to one another. The first
plate may be rotateably attached to the first surface of the elbow
and the second plate is rotateably attached to the second surface
of the elbow. The first surface may be disposed at an angle of at
least sixty degrees with respect to the second surface. The first
plate may be fixedly attached to the mount and the second plate is
fixedly attached to the tray.
Contact between the first plate and second plate may require the
tray to be moveable between the generally vertical stored position
and the generally horizontal in-use position in two consecutive
movements. The first movement may include the tray and ball and
socket (or knuckle) 3925a/3935a, 3925b/3935b rotating at least 100
degrees about a first axis and the second movement may include the
tray rotating at least 90 degrees about a second axis.
An accessory tray assembly for attachment to a seat assembly having
a frame and two arm rests supported by the frame, each of the two
arm rests may include an inner edge defining an inner vertical
plane, with the space defined between inner vertical planes of the
two arm rests defining a seating space, the accessory tray assembly
may include a tray movable between a generally vertical stored
position and a generally horizontal in-use position; a ball and
socket (or knuckle) 3925a/3935a, 3925b/3935b disposed between and
operably connecting the tray and the frame, the ball and socket (or
knuckle) 3925a/3935a, 3925b/3935b pivotably attached to the frame
and pivotable about a first axis, and the ball and socket (or
knuckle) 3925a/3935a, 3925b/3935b pivotably attached to the tray
and pivotable about a second axis, the first axis and the second
axis being obliquely angled with respect to one another. The tray
may be movable between the stored position and the in-use position
by rotation between the ball and socket (or knuckle) 3925a/3935a,
3925b/3935b and the frame about the first axis and between the tray
and the ball and socket (or knuckle) 3925a/3935a, 3925b/3935b about
the second axis. In the stored position, the tray may be disposed
under one of the two arm rests and outside of the seating space of
the seat assembly and adjacent seat assemblies. As the tray is
moved between the stored position and the in-use position, no part
of the tray crosses into the seating space of adjacent seat
assemblies. As the tray moves between the in-use position and the
stored position, the tray may move under the associated arm rest
without displacing the arm rest.
An accessory tray assembly may include a mount having a mount
attachment surface; a tray movable between a generally vertical
stored position and a generally horizontal in-use position, the
tray may include a tray attachment surface; a ball and socket (or
knuckle) 3925a/3935a, 3925b/3935b operable between the tray and the
mount. The mount attachment surface may be rotateably attached to a
first surface of the ball and socket (or knuckle) 3925a/3935a,
3925b/3935b and the tray attachment surface may be rotateably
attached to a second surface of the ball and socket (or knuckle)
3925a/3935a, 3925b/3935b. The first and second surfaces of the ball
and socket (or knuckle) 3925a/3935a, 3925b/3935b may define an
oblique angle with respect to one another. During a rotation
between the mount and the ball and socket (or knuckle) 3925a/3935a,
3925b/3935b, contact between the mount attachment surface and the
tray attachment surface may substantially prevent rotation between
the tray and the ball and socket (or knuckle) 3925a/3935a,
3925b/3935b. During a rotation between the tray and the ball and
socket (or knuckle) 3925a/3935a, 3925b/3935b, contact between the
mount attachment surface and the tray attachment surface may
substantially prevent rotation between the mount and the ball and
socket (or knuckle) 3925a/3935a, 3925b/3935b.
With reference to FIGS. 40A-40C, an accessory tray assembly 4000a,
4000b, 4000c and related attachment components may include a tray
4015a, 4015b, 4015c movable between a generally vertical stored
position and a generally horizontal in-use position; and a swivel
joint 4035a, 4035b, 4035c operable between the tray and a mount
4025a, 4025b, 4025c, the swivel joint having an elbow, a first
plate 4036a, 4036b, 4036c, and a second plate 4037a, 4037b, 4037c.
The first plate may be fixedly attached to a mount mating surface
4026b, 4026c of the mount 4025a, 4025b, 4025c and the second plate
may be fixedly attached to a tray mating surface 4016b, 4016c of
the tray. The first plate may include a generally planar attachment
surface rotateably attached to a first surface of the elbow and a
first tab at an obligue angle with respect to the attachment
surface of the first plate. The second plate may include a
generally planar attachment surface rotateably attached to a second
surface of the elbow and a second tab at an oblique angle with
respect to the attachment surface of the second plate. During a
rotation between the first plate and the elbow, contact between the
attachment surface of the first plate and the second tab may
substantially prevent rotation between the second plate and the
elbow. During a rotation between the second plate and the elbow,
contact between the first tab and the attachment surface of the
second plate may substantially prevent rotation between rotation
between the first plate and the elbow.
An accessory tray assembly for attachment to a seat assembly having
a frame and at least one arm rest supported by the frame, the arm
rest having an outer edge defining an outer vertical plane and an
inner edge defining an inner vertical plane. The accessory tray
assembly may include a tray movable between a generally vertical
stored position and a generally horizontal in-use position; a
swivel joint disposed between and operably connecting the tray and
the frame, the swivel joint having first and second generally
planar surfaces defining an oblique angle with respect to one
another, the swivel joint pivotably attached to the frame at the
first surface which defines a first plane of rotation of the swivel
joint with respect to the frame, and the swivel joint pivotably
attached to the tray at the second surface which defines a second
plane of rotation of the swivel joint with respect to the tray. The
tray may be movable between the stored position and the in-use
position by rotation between the swivel joint and the frame in the
first plane of rotation and between the tray and the swivel joint
in the second plane of rotation. In the stored position, the tray
may be disposed under an arm rest and in a space defined between an
outer vertical plane and an inner vertical plane. As the tray is
moved between the stored position and the in-use position, the
accessory tray assembly may be configured such that no part of the
tray crosses the outer vertical plane. As the tray moves between
the in-use position and the stored position, the tray may move into
the space and under the arm rest without displacing the arm
rest.
An accessory tray assembly for attachment to a seat assembly having
a frame and at least one arm rest supported by the frame. The arm
rest may include an outer edge defining an outer vertical plane and
an inner edge defining an inner vertical plane. The accessory tray
assembly may include a tray movable between a generally vertical
stored position and a generally horizontal in-use position, a
swivel joint disposed between and operably connecting the tray and
the frame, the swivel joint may have first and second generally
planar surfaces defining an oblique angle with respect to one
another. The swivel joint may be pivotably attached to the frame at
the first surface which defines a first plane of rotation of the
swivel joint with respect to the frame, and the swivel joint may be
pivotably attached to the tray at the second surface which defines
a second plane of rotation of the swivel joint with respect to the
tray. The tray may be movable between the stored position and the
in-use position by rotation between the swivel joint and the frame
in the first plane of rotation and between the tray and the swivel
joint in the second plane of rotation. In the stored position, the
tray may be disposed under the arm rest and in a space defined
between the outer vertical plane and the inner vertical plane. As
the tray is moved between the stored position and the in-use
position, the accessory tray assembly may be configured such that
no part of the tray crosses the outer vertical plane. The swivel
joint may include a first plate and a second plate. During rotation
about the first plane of rotation, contact between at least a
portion of the first plate and at least a portion of the second
plate may substantially prevent rotation about the second plane of
rotation. During rotation about the second plane of rotation,
contact between at least a portion of the first plate and at least
a portion of second plate may substantially prevent rotation about
the first plane of rotation.
In the above the words "stop," "limit" and "prevent," when used in
conjunction with movement of a component of an accessory tray
assembly may be interpreted as being in association with a force
below a threshold value that would not cause breakage of an
associated accessory tray assembly when a force above the threshold
is applied. This "breakaway" or "threshold" force may allow for a
given accessory tray assembly to be forcibly moved out of an chair
occupants path in case of, for example, an emergency exit. In such
a circumstance, thereby, an associated accessory tray assembly may
be relocated without causing damage to any related components. In
other words, an accessory tray assembly movement may be stopped,
limited or prevented in normal operation, however, the accessory
tray assembly movement may occur by applying a force above a force
threshold.
Turning to FIGS. 41A-41D, a rocker style chair assembly 4100a-d may
include a chair back frame 4137a-d attached to a chair seat frame
4135a-d via first and second chair back/seat brackets 4134a-d. The
rocker style chair assembly 4100a-d may be similar to, for example,
any one of the rocker style chairs of FIGS. 1A-H and J-L aside from
the chair seat frame 4135a-d being fixed (not rotatable) relative
to the chair back frame 4137a-d. The first and second chair
back/seat brackets 4134a-d may be configured such that the chair
back frame 4137a-d is removable from the chair seat frame 4135a-d
without any tools. Thereby, the chair back frame 4137a-d and the
chair seat frame 4135a-d may be shipped to an installation site
with the chair back frame 4137a-d flat against the chair seat frame
4135a-d.
The rocker style chair assembly 4100a-d may include first and
second chair seat brackets 4132a-d connected to respective chair
seat bracket adaptors 4131c,d. The chair seat brackets 4132a-d may
include a plurality of bolt holes configured to facilitate
attachment to a respective seat frame 4135a-d. The chair seat
brackets 4132a-d may include a plurality of slotted holes
configured to facilitate attachment to a respective chair seat
bracket adaptor 4131c,d without using tools. Thereby, a chair seat
frame 4134a-d may be set in place on respective standards during
installation without using tools.
The chair seat bracket adaptors 4131c,d may be similar to, for
example, the left-hand seat bracket 615a, b of FIGS. 6A and 6b or
the right-hand seat bracket 715a, b of FIGS. 7A and 7B except the
chair seat bracket adaptors 4131c,d do not include a slot 613a, b,
713a, b, alignment tab 612a, b, 712a, b, or lip 611a, b, 711a, b.
The first and second chair seat bracket adaptors 4131c,d connected
to respective springs 1000a-d. The rocker style chair assembly
4100a-d may include first and second chair seat brackets 4132a-d
connected to respective springs 1000a-d. The springs 1000a-d may be
connected to a respective adapting plate 4106a-d. The adapting
plates 4106a-d may be connected to a respective landing bracket
4133a-d. Alternatively, the springs 1000a-d may be connected
directly to a respective landing bracket 4133a-d. When the springs
1000a-d are connected directly to a respective landing bracket
4133a-d, a rocker style chair assembly 4100a-d may be wider with
the standards 4161a-d and mounting feet 4162a-d in respective
locations associated with a rocker style chair assembly 4100a-d
incorporating adapting plates 4106a.
Alternatively, an adapting plate 4106a-d may be included on only
one side of a respective rocker style chair assembly 4100a-d.
Thereby, a rocker style chair assembly 4100a-d width may be between
a width of a rocker style chair assembly 4100a-d that includes two
adapting plates 4106a-d and a rocker style chair assembly 4100a-d
that does not include any adapting plates 4106a-d. Wider or
narrower adapting plates 4106a-d may be incorporated within a
rocker style chair assembly 4100a-d to vary a chair width and/or
standard 4161a spacing.
With reference to FIGS. 42A-C, a rocker style chair assembly 4200a
may be similar to, for example, any one of the rocker style chair
assemblies disclosed herein aside from the rocker style chair
assembly 4200a may include chair roller assemblies 4262a-c in lieu
of fixe mounting feet. The reference numbers of FIG. 42A may
reference similarly numbered components as those illustrated in
FIGS. 41A-D (without the a-d concatenated to the given number)
aside from the chair roller assemblies 4262a-c. The chair roller
assemblies 4262a-c may include, for example, retractable wheels
4263a-c operable between an extended orientation and a retracted
orientation via lowering/raising mechanism 4264a-d. The chair
roller assemblies 4262a-d may be configured to, for example, enable
a venue operator to reposition an associated rocker style chair
assembly 4200a. The lowering/raising mechanism 4264a-c may be
lockable 4265c in a respective extended orientation and a retracted
orientation once oriented into the given orientation.
A group of rocker style chair assemblies 4200a may be incorporated
into a beam mount chair assembly (e.g., beam mount chair assemblies
as disclose in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/640,938, which
is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference). Accordingly,
chair roller assemblies 4262a-c may be configured to, for example,
enable a venue operator to reposition the group of beam mounted,
rocker style chair assemblies 4200a. The group of rocker style
chair assemblies 4200a incorporated into a beam mount chair
assembly may include power and/or data wiring, and/or associated
outlets, extended through and/or proximate an associated beam.
Similarly, chair roller assemblies 4262a-c may be configured to,
for example, enable a venue operator to reposition a powered
recliner chair or a group of powered recliner chairs (e.g., power
recliner chairs as in common assigned U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 15/675,865, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in
its entirety by reference).
A chair roller assembly 4262a-c may include a connecting plate
4266b-c, a plurality of base plates 4270b-c, and a wheel mount
bracket 4269b-c hingedly attached to a wheel housing 4267b-c via a
hinge 4268b-c. An operator may, for example, press down on a
lowering/raising mechanism 4264a-c and the associated wheels
4263a-c will hinge downward such that the associated plurality of
base plates 4270b-c are lifted off an associated floor surface.
Once the operator presses down on the lowering/raising mechanism
4264a-c to lift the plurality of base plates 4270b-c off an
associated floor surface, the operator may rotate the
lowering/raising mechanism 4264a-c into the lock 4265c. The
operator may reverse the process to raise the wheels 4263a-c.
Turning to FIG. 43, a rocker style chair assembly 4300 may be
similar to, for example, any one of the rocker style chair
assemblies disclosed herein aside from the rocker style chair
assembly 4200 may include a manual mechanism 4340. The reference
numbers of FIG. 43 may reference similarly numbered components as
those illustrated in FIGS. 41A-D only without the a-d concatenated
to the given number. The manual mechanism 4340 may include a chair
recline locking feature 4341, an ottoman reorientation mechanism
4342, and/or a chair lowering/raising feature 4343. The manual
mechanism 4340 may be configured with, for example, a thumb-button
to release/lock the manual mechanism 4340, and/or may include a
ratchet-type mechanism (e.g., a saw-tooth gear/lock) for
multi-position orientation.
The chair recline locking feature 4341 may include a mechanical
lock (e.g., a c-clip, a pin, etc.) configured to lock an associated
rocker style chair assembly 4300 in a desired orientation once the
associated rocker style chair assembly 4300 is, for example,
manually rocked into the desired orientation. Alternatively, or
additionally, the locking feature 4341 may be configured to enable
a user to, for example, recline a chair back (e.g., chair back
frame 4337) into a desired orientation and then lock the chair back
into the desire orientation. The ottoman reorientation mechanism
4342 may enable a chair ottoman (e.g., ottoman 101k of FIG. 1K) to
be manually oriented into a desired orientation and/or locked into
the desired orientation.
The chair lowering/raising feature 4343 may enable an associated
rocker style chair assembly 4300 and/or an associated chair seat
frame 4335 to be oriented into a desired height orientation. For
example, the standards 4361 may be, for example, telescopic
structures with spring loaded extensions. Thereby, an associated
rocker style chair assembly 4300 and/or an associated chair seat
frame 4335 may be lowered by, for example, releasing the chair
lowering/raising feature 4343 and applying a downward force on the
associated rocker style chair assembly 4300 and/or an associated
chair seat frame 4335 and, when the associated rocker style chair
assembly 4300 and/or an associated chair seat frame 4335 is at the
desired height, locking the chair lowering/raising feature 4343.
The rocker style chair assembly 4300 and/or an associated chair
seat frame 4335 may be raised by, for example, releasing the chair
lowering/raising feature 4343 and removing any downward force on
the associated rocker style chair assembly 4300 and/or an
associated chair seat frame 4335 and, when the associated rocker
style chair assembly 4300 and/or an associated chair seat frame
4335 is raised to the desired height (via, for example, spring
loaded upward force), locking the chair lowering/raising feature
4343.
This detailed description is to be construed as exemplary only and
does not describe every possible embodiment, as describing every
possible embodiment would be impractical, if not impossible. One
could implement numerous alternate embodiments, using either
current technology or technology developed after the filing date of
this application.
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